International logistics company Gebrüder Weiss welcomes a new cohort of apprentices, with 110 individuals in their early career starting their training across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is encouraging to see that the number of apprentices has stayed more or less the same (2023: 105). Most of the apprenticeship places available have been filled, while a further 20 could still be taken up during the course of the year.

“We offer these young men and women a stimulating educational experience that not only enables them to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of the transport and logistics industry, but also gives them plenty of impetus to spur them on in their careers,” explains Monika Mandl, Head of Human Resources Development at Gebrüder Weiss. “As well as teaching them specialist knowledge, our aim is to support these apprentices in their personal development and help to uncover and explore hidden potential.”

The company supports professional development in a number of ways, including through targeted efforts to encourage trainees to participate in apprentice and vocational competitions.  Up-and-coming logistics experts have taken advantage of these opportunities in years past with very positive results. In 2024, one freight forwarding apprentice from Gebrüder Weiss Austria became the only representative from her specialist area to qualify for the prestigious WorldSkills international competition for professionals, which will take place in Lyon, France, this fall.

Gebrüder Weiss offers its apprentices opportunities beyond just training. By working their way through various departments, they gain well-rounded insights into the different areas of activity in the logistics sector and benefit from the knowledge of more experienced colleagues. They can also use the extensive range of internal continuing education courses available. “There are so many options for ambitious apprentices to enjoy a successful career at Gebrüder Weiss after completing their training,” says Mandl.

Overall, Gebrüder Weiss employs 326 apprentices at 41 locations in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and around 40 percent are women. Another 26 young people are also currently training with the company in Bulgaria and Serbia.

In Austria, the logistics company also offers a shortened training program through its “Duale Akademie” (“Dual Academy”) for trainees who have already completed a secondary school and want to pursue a career as a freight forwarding agent or a company logistics agent.

Find out more about training at Gebrüder Weiss at https://www.gw-world.com/lehre

The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss announces a five-year partnership with the prestigious Shanghai Maritime University (SMU). The company is giving students opportunities to gain practical insights into the logistics industry and also helping them get their careers off the ground. 

Gebrüder Weiss is committed to promoting up-and-coming talent in China’s higher education system and this joint program focuses on enabling knowledge transfer and career development. Through summer internships, students from the University’s College of Transport and Communications have the chance to gain first-hand experience in supply chain management.

“This means students can build up valuable practical experience and get to know all the different areas involved in logistics even while they’re studying,” explains Yongquan Chen, General Manager China at Gebrüder Weiss.

The company also incorporates its own industry expertise into the program. Through guest lectures and courses, for example, Yongquan Chen passes on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of supply chain managers.

“We teach the students about trends and developments in the logistics industry. At the same time, we help them make a start in their career journey, possibly even at Gebrüder Weiss,” says Chen. “This gives them a better understanding of the career prospects and challenges in the fast-paced world of logistics.”

Two SMU students have already started their internship at Gebrüder Weiss. They are discovering the full range of services that the company offers in China, from managing air, sea, and land transport to imports and exports, e-commerce, warehouse logistics, and supply chain management - everything that goes into organizing supply chains from start to finish. With 19 locations across China, Gebrüder Weiss operates as a partner for international industrial and commercial enterprises in the country’s key economic hubs.