Press Release 27th December 2024

REWE Group Austria achieves new record in apprenticeship training

With around 2,400 apprentices at BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, PENNY and the central companies, REWE Group Austria plays a pioneering role in apprenticeship training. Despite a decline in the total number of apprentices in Austrian retail by around 6 per cent from 14,864 trained apprentices at the end of 2023 to 14,015 in 2024, REWE Group Austria was able to increase its number of apprentices, demonstrating its strong commitment to promoting young talent.

A large group of young people wearing yellow and pink shirts are gathered outdoors, posing playfully. Some are sitting and standing on a tree sculpture, while others are on the grass. They appear to be in a park with trees in the background. Everyone looks cheerful and energetic, with some making peace signs or waving. They are wearing name tags.

REWE Group Austria plays a pioneering role in apprenticeship training. / Copyright: © Susi Berger, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

The REWE Group is currently training around 2,400 apprentices – an increase of over 12 percent compared to the previous year.
Despite currently declining numbers in retail, the REWE Group continues to invest significantly in the development of young talent.
The REWE Group Classes have been connecting vocational schools and practical experience into a successful training model for 15 years.
A total of 20 vocational profiles are offered: dual apprenticeship with maturity or extended training periods are also possible. Apply now at https://rewe-group.jobs

Without the REWE Group, the number of apprentices in retail would fall by more than eight percent. “It is important for us to provide young people with a stable and future-proof education. Apprenticeship training has been, is, and will remain a fundamental pillar of our corporate philosophy,” emphasizes Marcel Haraszti, Board Member of REWE International AG.

Record increase in apprenticeship training – BILLA impresses

In particular, BILLA stands out with a significant increase in training numbers: with 1,899 apprentices, including the new trainees with BILLA merchants, 273 more were trained than in the previous year – an increase of around 17 percent. The number of apprentices at BIPA also grew by around seven percent, from 185 in 2023 to 199 apprentices in 2024. PENNY was able to recruit 30 new apprentices this year and plans to take on around 70 additional young talents by September 2025. Additionally, PENNY aims to develop young talents in the markets after their training period.

15 years of REWE Group classes: A success story in the dual education system

A central component of training at the REWE Group is the close collaboration with vocational schools. For 15 years, the REWE Group Classes have provided particularly practical and high-quality training programs through in-depth cooperation with schools. Rosemarie Glieber is responsible for the REWE Group Classes: “This model shows how important strong partnerships are for success in the dual education system. We are pleased that this concept opens up additional perspectives for young talents.”

Diverse vocational profiles and attractive benefits

The REWE Group offers a total of 20 vocational profiles – from retail to operational logistics to innovative fields like application development and coding. In addition, apprentices enjoy various additional benefits such as bonuses for exceptional performance, internships abroad, further training, and events. Extended training periods or partial qualifications tailored to the individual needs of the youths are also an important part of promoting young talent. To optimally prepare students for their final exams, BILLA also offers interim exams for apprentices in the second year.

Another unique feature is the training to become a Regional Ambassador for Genussland OÖ, which has been part of the training program for two years. The first graduates are expected in 2025, and the REWE Group is already planning further development of this unique focus.

Apply now!

In 2025, the REWE Group will give over 1,100 youths the opportunity to begin their careers with an apprenticeship. Applications can be submitted directly through the job portal of REWE International AG at https://rewe-group.jobs. Interested individuals can find more information about apprenticeships at https://rewe-group.jobs/de/einstiegsmoeglichkeiten/lehre/.