STILL graduates welcome new apprentices
Just how closely 'congratulations' and 'a warm welcome' go together at STILL – and that 'graduation' at STILL does not necessarily mean 'farewell' – was demonstrated last week at the ceremonial 'passing of the baton' between the 2022 and 2026 cohorts of apprentices and dual-study students. Thirty-four apprentices and dual-study students from the Hamburg site celebrated their successful graduation and appointment to new roles within the company, while also welcoming the thirty-five apprentices and students who will follow in their footsteps in a few weeks' time.
Around 150 guests attended the festive ceremony at the STILL Arena, where plant manager Eric Hagenow, training manager Jan Wehlen, and Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Sales & Service Business Development, congratulated the 2022 cohort of apprentices and students on successfully completing their programmes and wished them every success in their new roles within the company. They also warmly welcomed the 2026 cohort of apprentices and students to the Hamburg site and into the STILL family, giving them a first glimpse into the world of STILL and its diverse range of innovative solutions and services.
A lasting connection and a shared moment for everyone
Both cohorts of apprentices, along with their family members, trainers, master craftspeople, and representatives from their future departments, were invited to attend the ceremonial ‘passing of the baton’. "It was important to us to create a shared moment for everyone — graduates, new recruits and both internal and external mentors," explains STILL training supervisor Maximilian Schwenn. "They are all united by the important milestone of their apprenticeship or degree programme at STILL."
Amidst loud applause, the graduates presented the new recruits with the baton that they had made during their training. "This baton is intended to give the new apprentices and students a sense of belonging and solidarity even before their first day at STILL," explained Maximilian Schwenn. But what about the apprentices and students who have completed their training? "They get to bid farewell to their time as apprentices and students one last time and formally pass on the baton to the next generation," he added.
Factory tour and insights into STILL’s innovative training practices
In addition to words of appreciation, there was plenty to see: The families of the new apprentices were given the opportunity to learn more about the STILL plant in Hamburg, the training workshop, and their loved ones' future workplaces during a guided tour of the factory. Around 40 guests took up this offer, and were impressed by the modern facilities, innovative technology, and wide range of opportunities awaiting apprentices and students at STILL.
Additional training stations in the arena offered exciting insights into real-world practice. Visitors could see a KUKA robot in action and gain an understanding of the requirements set out in the first part of the mechatronics technician final examination. They could also experience virtual welding for themselves using the Soldamatic AR welding machine. For the new apprentices and their families, it offered an impressive insight into the years ahead, while for all guests it provided a vivid demonstration of modern practical training at STILL.
A graduation but not a farewell
The 34 participants in the 2026 apprenticeship and study programme only had to say goodbye to their workstations in the training workshop. This is because they all received job offers from STILL and are now working in a variety of areas and departments within the company. This is a fantastic result for the cohort and a cause for celebration on all sides. "Providing young people with a sound education, inspiring them to join the industry and STILL, and preparing them as well as possible, both professionally and personally, for the dynamic job market, is our top priority. We are therefore delighted that we were able to offer all graduates a suitable role within the company," says Jan Wehlen. "We are equally delighted that they all wanted to stay with us and have embraced their new roles at STILL with enthusiasm and commitment."
