MEDIA

Rethinking apprenticeships: Sparking an interest in technology at an early age ensures competent young talent

With a series of measures, Fill is succeeding in getting young people interested in technical professions.

The machine engineering company Fill based in Gurten is currently training more than 90 apprentices in ten technical professions. By opting for an apprenticeship, young people have access to a varied and promising career path. Several years ago, Fill introduced events targeted at children, young adults, their parents and teachers offering them unique insights into the exciting world of technology. Thanks to these numerous initiatives, Fill has managed to significantly raise its profile and image as an outstanding training enterprise. Between 4,000 and 5,000 children and young adults visit the company every year. In workshops and guided tours tailored to their age, they get to experience the fascinating world of technology first-hand. Contrary to the general trend, the number of applications has been growing steadily for years. In 2024, more than 200 young adults applied for a total of 25 apprenticeships; this number is set to increase further in the future.

Gurten, 20 November 2024 – “Our goal is to inspire children and young adults to develop a passion for technology and apprenticeships,” explains CEO and owner Andreas Fill, thus summarizing the motivation behind the company's numerous initiatives to recruit young professionals. The internationally successful machine engineering company is renowned for its professional apprenticeship training and has received several awards over the years. Andreas Fill recently gave a highly praised lecture at Wichita State University (WSU) in Wichita, Kansas, on how to recruit and retain top talent. “It's wonderful to see that our recruiting and training projects are also meeting such positive feedback in the US,” comments Andreas Fill enthusiastically.

From the taster day to the “Walk of Fill”
Before opting for an apprenticeship, the first step is to attend a taster day. This allows you to get better acquainted with the various vocational professions and to take a look behind the scenes of the company. Fill offers young people state-of-the-art apprenticeship training in ten different technical professions in which they can develop the technologies of the future. Apprentices are supported by instructors in their respective specialist areas in a modern training workshop equipped with state-of-the-art technology. From the very beginning, they receive in-depth and practical training in various divisions and production areas to optimally prepare them for their future careers. Additional training courses in social skills and personal development round off their practical education. At the company's own Fill Academy, ambitious young talents have the opportunity to take their school-leaving exams (Matura) in parallel with their apprenticeship, paving the way to further studies at a university or university of applied sciences. For graduates of academic secondary schools, Fill offers a direct job entry via its Dual Academy. This enables graduates to complete a shortened apprenticeship as part of a company trainee program. The grand finale of their training is the “Walk of Fill”, an exclusive gala evening held in the Fill Future Dome. At this event, the young specialist workers celebrate the successful completion of their apprenticeship and their special achievements together with their families, apprentice trainers and management.

Corporate Data
Fill is a leading international machine engineering company based in Gurten, Upper Austria. With sophisticated high-tech systems and custom manufacturing solutions for metal, plastics and wood, Fill makes its customers the best in their fields. The automotive, aviation, sports and building industries all benefit from Fill’s expertise. Since it was founded in 1966, the company has distinguished itself through enormous innovative strength, strong values and the best jobs. “If you are seeking the best solution, shape your future with Fill” is the guiding principle of the company’s more than 1,000 employees. “We are one!” is their vision and stands for togetherness not only with the team, but also with customers, suppliers and partners. The company is 100 percent family-owned and managed by Andreas Fill (CEO), Martin Reiter (CFO), Alois Wiesinger (CTO) and Günter Redhammer (COO). In 2023, Fill recorded sales of around 210 million euros.

Caption:
Children and young adults get to experience the fascinating world of technology firsthand in age-appropriate workshops and guided tours.

Photo:
Fill Maschinenbau (free)