Apprentices at REWE Group have already received above-average salaries for many years. With this latest increase, BILLA, BILLA PLUS, and PENNY underscore the high value placed on apprenticeship training. For instance, apprentices at BILLA will earn a gross salary of €1,320 per month starting September 1, 2025, which includes a €320 bonus on the collective agreement-mandated apprentice salary. The previous gross monthly salary was €1,200. The apprentice salary increases steadily with each year of training. At PENNY, apprentices also earn significantly more than stipulated in the collective agreement. For more information, visit https://karriere.billa.at/lehre/goodies-fuer-lehrlinge and https://karriere.penny.at/lehre.
“It is important for us to not only educate young people but also to show them the appreciation they deserve. They significantly contribute to the success of our trading companies with their energy, willingness to learn, and fresh perspectives. Those who engage should feel that their efforts are recognized,” emphasizes Marcel Haraszti, Board Member of REWE International AG.
Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr visited the headquarters of REWE Group in Wiener Neudorf and highlighted the importance of REWE Group's commitment to promoting apprenticeship professions: “Well-trained young people are the foundation of a future-ready society. By investing in apprentices, companies like REWE Group open up opportunities, strengthen educational chances in our country, and simultaneously contribute to securing skilled workers. The training and development of young talent is not just a nice-to-have but an investment in Austria's future.”
Erich Szuchy, Chairman of BILLA, stated: “Our apprentices are much more than the skilled workers of tomorrow. They are already an important driving force behind BILLA's success. They bring young energy, motivation, and new perspectives into our stores. That’s why we invest not only in fair pay but also in the personal and professional development of our apprentices. We take our responsibility to train the next generation of skilled workers and managers seriously.”
Johannes Greller, Managing Director of PENNY Austria, said: “Young people bring fresh energy into our stores, and that’s exactly the energy needed for a future-fit retail environment. That’s why we at PENNY consistently focus on promoting young talent: We not only offer unique apprenticeships, such as training to become a butcher, but also provide individual support for our apprentices, enabling them to reach their full potential.”
REWE Group promotes young employees where they need it
Those who begin an apprenticeship with the REWE Group benefit from a first-class vocational training with future perspectives, along with numerous other advantages. Apprentices are integrated from day one and guided through their first weeks in the company: The structured onboarding phase culminates in welcome days, where new apprentices and trainers from across Austria come together. Highlights of training in REWE Group companies include a broad program of accompanying training sessions and the SkillsFactory, where this year over 590 apprentices were able to enhance their social competencies.
Lisa Köb, Head of People and Culture BILLA, said: “At BILLA, young talents are responsible for a store for a week during the annual ‘Apprentices Lead Stores’ program. To prepare for their final apprenticeship exams, an internal preparation course is offered. Apprentices at BILLA and BILLA PLUS can also participate in a simulation of the final apprenticeship exam in their second year. This gives apprentices the opportunity to take advantage of targeted support in their individual development.”
The REWE Group also supports internships abroad, finances tutoring if necessary, and offers the possibility of apprenticeships with Matura (high school diploma). Completing the apprenticeship opens structured career paths for young employees up to store management and beyond. Outstanding academic achievements are rewarded with bonuses, such as PENNY covers the costs of driver's license training.
Diverse career paths and attractive extras
The REWE Group offers apprenticeship positions for 20 different professions. These include, besides retail sales training, positions in confectionery and business logistics, extending to future areas such as application development/coding. Since last year, wholesale merchants have also been trained. PENNY additionally offers a unique apprenticeship program to become a butcher. Integrative, shorter training programs that cater to individual needs are also part of the training concept.
With the increase in apprentice salaries and a comprehensive support program, REWE Group strengthens its position as one of the most attractive employers in the country and sends a clear signal regarding the importance of apprenticeship training with future perspectives.
Apply now!
The REWE Group will also give over 1,100 young people the chance to enter professional life with an apprenticeship in 2025. Applications can be made directly through the job portal of REWE International AG at https://rewe-group.jobs. For more information about apprenticeships, interested parties can visit https://rewe-group.jobs/de/einstiegsmoeglichkeiten/lehre/. Applications are accepted at any time!
