Press Release 22nd October 2024

BILLA apprentices explore parliament

A visit to the Austrian parliament organised by BILLA this year was all about strengthening the team spirit among the apprentices. The excursion gave the apprentices the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of Austrian democracy and learn more about how political decisions are made. In interactive guided tours, the apprentices slipped into the role of elected representatives and developed a deeper understanding of the tasks and challenges involved in political work. This not only strengthened their sense of community, but also their understanding of democratic values.

A group of people standing in a large, formal room with wooden paneling, a podium, and two flags, including the European Union flag. They are posing for a photo, wearing formal or business-casual attire.

BILLA apprentices in the plenary hall / Copyright: © BILLA AG / Robert Harson - Abdruck zu redaktionellen Zwecken honorarfrei, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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Promoting responsibility

A central aspect of the trip was raising awareness of individual responsibility in a democracy. The apprentices gained insights into legislation and the impact of political decisions on the daily lives of citizens. “It is important for us to convey to our apprentices, alongside their professional qualifications, an awareness of their role as informed, responsible citizens who possess knowledge of significant political processes,” emphasized Harald Mießner, BILLA Board Member.

Timing before Nationalfeiertag

The trip was planned ahead of the Nationalfeiertag to highlight the historical significance of democracy. On October 26, 2024, the Parliament will open its doors from 10 AM to 4 PM for an open house event. Additionally, Vienna has been designated as the European Capital of Democracy for 2024/25, underscoring its role as a political center in Europe. With this trip, BILLA once again demonstrates that the holistic development of apprentices is a priority – both as future professionals and as responsible members of society.