100 years ago, the first 15 apprentices began their vocational training at Henkel. Back then, it started with only a few technical apprenticeships. But over the course of the century, this has evolved into a diverse world of various training pathways – shaped by transformation, growth, and new opportunities. Since 1925, Henkel has trained a total of 10,742 apprentices and students – across 25 occupations and five dual study programs. What’s especially fascinating are the personal stories behind these numbers: How have the apprentices developed with us? And what was their training experience like?
Story
100 years of vocational training at Henkel
Vocational training: The first step on a path full of opportunities
Every year, numerous new apprentices begin their careers at Henkel – full of curiosity, expectations and dreams for the future. Since its introduction 100 years ago, vocational training has been an important cornerstone of the company culture at Henkel and a program where talents are nurtured and skilled professionals are developed. It not only represents a long-standing tradition and an important part of the company’s history but is, above all, a key to the future. Especially in times of change, it is also the young talents – with their fresh ideas and practical skills – who provide new momentum and help shape transformation. Emerging technologies, evolving job profiles, and societal developments constantly bring new challenges to vocational training. To meet these demands, Henkel continuously refines its training concepts and aligns them with the current needs of apprentices and the world of work. “We are proud that through our comprehensive training program, we have been able to prepare so many young people with practical know-how for the demands of the professional world – and we look forward to successfully shaping the next 100 years of vocational training at Henkel,” says Funda Mutlu, Head of Vocational Training at Henkel Germany.
A glimpse into a century of vocational training at Henkel
Katja van Hauten
Trained chemical laboratory technician, started her apprenticeship in 1992, today Global Head of Leadership & Learning, 33 years at Henkel
- Why did you decide to do your vocational training at Henkel?
"I always found chemistry and physics easy in school. I also knew that I wanted to work in a field related to innovation and sustainability. Therefore, it quickly became clear to me that Henkel, with its focus on these areas, was the right company for me." - Which phase of the vocational training did you like best?
"I definitely enjoyed working in the development for Somat the most because I got to experience true innovation and fundamental research. It was particularly exciting since the end result was a product that is actually used in millions of households. Even though I now deal with completely different topics as Global Head of Leadership and Learning, innovation is still a constant part of my work. So, on the one hand, I'm now doing something completely new, but on the other hand, it's essentially the same as before."
A century of learning
The roots of vocational training at Henkel go all the way back to 1925, when the first 15 apprentices opened the doors to the company’s metal workshop in Düsseldorf and began their professional journey. They learned trades such as locksmith, turner, pipe fitter, plumber or carpenter. In the decades that followed, not only did the company grow, but so did the variety of training paths. In 1936, for example, training programs for chemical laboratory technician and chemical plant technician were introduced and the range of training concepts was gradually expanded at other German sites. But it didn't stop there: With the advancement of digital technologies, the training portfolio continued to develop. In 1971, for example, the profession of data processing clerk was added – an early step towards IT and automation.
A particular special chapter in the company's vocational training history is the development of the industrial firefighter profession – a path that Henkel has helped shape from the very beginning. Until 2006, professional firefighter training could only be started after completing a trade apprenticeship. In response, Henkel developed an innovative training concept that same year, combining both worlds: trade skills and specialized firefighting knowledge. This made it possible, for the first time, to enter vocational firefighting training directly after finishing school – a model that also formed the basis for the Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s certified training program for industrial firefighters introduced in 2009.
Dirk Mews
Trained chemical technician, started his apprenticeship in 1985, today Vocational Trainer Germany, 40 years at Henkel
- Why did you decide to do your vocational training at Henkel?
"My father already worked at Henkel back in the 1960s, and I grew up in company housing. So it was only natural for me to pursue an apprenticeship at Henkel as well. Additionally, the profession of chemical technician, known as chemical production worker back then, suited my skills and interests very well.” - What do you particularly enjoy about working with apprentices?
“What brings me the greatest joy in working with our apprentices is seeing them apply what they have learned directly in practice. It is especially rewarding when they come up with suggestions for improvement, question things, or think outside the box. That’s my biggest motivation as a vocational trainer – to develop new solutions together with the apprentices.”
Vocational training at Henkel today
Today, Henkel trains 465 apprentices and dual students in Germany across 25 apprenticeship occupations and five dual study programs at seven locations. In addition to scientific, technical, and commercial professions, young adults can also complete their training in areas such as health and safety or hospitality – all within an environment that offers plenty of room for personal and professional development, with the apprentices themselves at the center. The vocational trainers not only support the young adults professionally but also act as mentors on their career journey, fostering a strong sense of community that goes beyond acquiring skills and lays the foundation for a successful future.
Madita Rogge
Apprenticeship as industrial clerk, started in 2024, 1 year at Henkel
- Why did you choose to do your vocational training at Henkel?
“I chose to do an apprenticeship because I didn’t want to go to university right after school. I wanted to learn something practical first. I decided on the industrial clerk apprenticeship at Henkel because it offers a broad range of experience and gives insights into many different areas and topics.” - What fears did you have before starting your vocational training and were they confirmed?
“At the beginning of my vocational training, I was a bit afraid of not fitting in with the other apprentices. But that fear quickly disappeared because I got along really well with both the other apprentices and my team right from the start. Everyone welcomed me very warmly and was genuinely happy to meet new people.”
New Work
HOW FLEXIBLE WORK, AGILE PROCESSES, MODERN LEADERSHIP
What sounds like a new lifestyle trend is actually a paradigm-shifting concept for the workplace. New Work is digital, flexible, and democratic. Job applicants and employees are demanding more freedom in terms of where, when, and how much they work. And the New Normal paves the way for more self-determination and self-realization, driven by the digital transformation and smart working models.
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