close
close
close
On September 1, 2025, 41 trainees as well as one cooperative student and one dual student started their training at Optima. Seven dual students will follow in October. With a new training center, a starting bonus, and a revised working time model, Optima supports young people in the region as they start their careers.
On Monday morning there was a buzz of activity in the new training center: excited voices, curious looks and many young faces. For 43 apprentices and students, it was the first day of their working life. “I’m excited that it’s finally starting and I’m motivated to give it my all,” says Mustafa Can Coskun, who is training to become an industrial mechanic. Jannes Waldvogel is also full of anticipation: “During school I did an internship at Optima. After that, it was clear to me that I wanted to start my apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer here.”
Fabienne Beck has started her training as an industrial clerk. “Beforehand, I was able to work for a year as a temporary assistant in sales at Optima Pharma, and I felt very comfortable,” she explains. “Many of my friends also work at Optima and only had good things to say.”
Training has a long tradition at Optima. “In over 100 years of company history, many things have changed. But supporting young people has always been at the heart of what we do,” emphasizes Katja Schrafft, Head of Human Resources at Optima.
To provide the best possible conditions for young talent, Optima has invested in a new training center and created a modern learning environment. Covering 1,600 square meters, it includes workshops, robotics and 3D labs, as well as spaces for learning and relaxation. “The training center is a place where our apprentices can gain practical experience, exchange ideas, and also spend their breaks,” explains Rainer Probst, head of the training team.
The framework conditions are also attractive: all new apprentices and students receive a starting bonus of 2,000 euros and benefit from the new 35+5 hours model. This provides five hours per week reserved for individual learning, in addition to 35 hours of on-site training.
The program traditionally begins with an introductory week. Icebreaker sessions, training modules and group activities such as the annual “Games without Borders” help the group to quickly grow together. Staying true to the motto “we care for our team”, Volker Freisinger, Head of Optima Manufacturing, stresses: “We, the apprentices and trainers at Optima, see ourselves as a team. We work together so that, in the end, everyone successfully completes their training.”
With the 2025 training start, Optima underlines how important developing its own young talent is for the company’s future.
The application phase for the 2026 training year has already begun. Applications can be submitted online. On Thursday, 8 October, young people and their parents can obtain comprehensive information and talk to trainers and trainees at the ‘Night of Training’ at the training centre in Haller Solpark from 5 to 9 pm.
Further information is available on Optima’s career page at www.career-at-optima.com.
