Press Release 6th November 2024

Career start at BILLA: Around 1,000 young talents begin their training

This year, BILLA once again organised special welcome days for its new apprentices to ensure a pleasant start to their careers. These were held for the first time in conjunction with the Trainer Days in October under the title ‘#nextbillageneration events’. At seven events in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Villach and Steyregg, around 1,000 apprentices got to know the company better and had the opportunity to talk to their new colleagues and superiors. The Austria-wide events also welcomed 550 BILLA trainers.

A large group of people gathered in a conference hall, some wearing yellow shirts, posing for a group photo in front of a screen displaying "nextbilgeneration Event 2024."

Successful start to working life: BILLA welcomed hundreds of new apprentices and prospective trainers to its team in Vienna during its Welcome Days. / Copyright: © BILLA AG / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

Successful entry into the professional world: BILLA welcomed around 1,000 new apprentices and aspiring trainers during its welcome days
The yellow of the job: BILLA increases the apprentice income and offers a bonus of €320 from the first year of training
Expansion of the training program: Apprenticeship for wholesale and export trade specialists now available

Harald Mießner, BILLA Board Member of Sales: “With over 30,000 employees and around 1,920 apprentices, BILLA is the largest employer and trainer in Austria. We place great importance on practical and high-quality training. Therefore, we are delighted to welcome around 1,000 apprentices from all regions this year. We believe that those who take on responsibility early deserve recognition from the start – both in terms of education and fair compensation. That’s why we significantly increased the apprentice salary at BILLA starting in September.”

Above-average salary from the first year of training

BILLA offers numerous services and benefits as part of its apprenticeship program, including an above-average apprentice income. Starting immediately, apprentices will receive €1,200 in their first year. This corresponds to a bonus of €320 compared to the collectively agreed salary of €880. In the second year, the bonus is €270 (totaling €1,130 in line with the collective bargaining agreement), in the third year, €320 (totaling €1,430), and in the fourth year, €310 (totaling €1,490).

More choices, more opportunities for personal career paths

The range of apprenticeship positions at BILLA and BILLA PLUS is as diverse as the interests and personalities of young people. Currently, training is offered in various fields such as retail sales, confectionery, system catering, and media management. A dual apprenticeship combining retail sales and office management is also possible. New in this year's program is the wholesale and export trade apprenticeship. Throughout the entire training period, apprentices are personally supported by BILLA's apprentice and junior promotion team, providing them with an additional point of contact besides their trainers.

Depending on their interests, apprentices at BILLA can also complete their training with a Matura (school-leaving certificate) or take part in international internships. Successful completion of vocational school and final apprenticeship exams is rewarded with attractive bonuses. Additionally, there is the opportunity to apply for the junior management program after successfully completing the apprenticeship.

Open positions can be viewed online on the REWE Group job board.