New Power Plant Workers for Austria

Regional electricity calls for on-site employees: VERBUND is focusing on its tried and tested dual-trade training with a high degree of practical orientation, and is thus securing the qualified experts of the future. In the coming four years, one woman and 29 men will simultaneously learn two promising trades in the company’s own training centre in Ybbs: electrical engineer and metal technician.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, they are much sought-after skilled workers with every possible opportunity available to them – also at VERBUND.

VERBUND annually invests some 3 million Euro in order to be able to guarantee a high-quality training of future skilled workers. "Our power plants throughout Austria are places of work and training for up to 200 young people and serve to highlight our strong ties in the region," explained Michael Amerer, board member of VERBUND Hydro Power AG and VERBUND’s apprenticeship representative. "Not only does the high-quality training of new employees from our region form a foundation for an efficient operational management of our plants, but it is also an important factor for the company’s future success. Only someone who has been given both a technical and practical training is able to fulfil the demanding tasks that are implicit in the daily operation of a power plant."

The festive awarding of the apprenticeship contracts is a tradition at VERBUND. Since 1948, more than 2,000 apprentices have undergone training. Several of these hold managerial positions at VERBUND today: For example, Helmut Biberger, plant group manager in Kaprun, took the chance to launch his career as an apprentice in Kaprun.

A large step for young people
Herbert Murr, manager of VERBUND’s apprentice workshops, stresses that VERBUND does not leave the 30 apprentices to their own devices on their training path. In addition to the acquisition of new professional skills, this also means the non-occupational leisure time. Creating a meaningful and group leisure time is just as important as the security of always being on hand for the apprentices. "Many things change with the start of the apprenticeship. Above all, the first day of the apprenticeship is also a step towards independence. At VERBUND we accompany our young colleagues in this transition from school into the working life. We convey the skills for personal coaching and mutually endeavour to promote our apprentices’ strengths and skills. Together we create a climate of humanity, respect and cooperation, in which the contents of the apprenticeship represent an exciting challenge and not a burden. It is in this way that we jointly master professional and human challenges," explained Murr.

Apprenticeship of the highest level
The high level of the apprenticeship at VERBUND is confirmed every year anew. For decades, the graduation rate has stood at almost 100 percent, with some 40% of outstanding qualifications.
The first year of the apprenticeship takes place in one of three VERBUND apprentice workshops. Alongside Ybbs-Persenbeug, VERBUND also trains skilled workers in Kaprun and Töging am Inn (Germany). As early as the second year, the apprentices gather practical experience in a VERBUND power plant. Since the opening of the Kaprun apprenticeship workshop in Kaprun in 2009, a total 60 apprenticeships have been available every year.