Press conference “Training Market Review 2024/25” at SÜLZLE KOPF

On November 14, 2025, SÜLZLE KOPF in Sulz am Neckar hosted the annual press conference “Training Market Review 2024/25.” Representatives from the Rottweil-Villingen-Schwenningen Employment Agency, the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), and the Constance Chamber of Crafts reported on current developments and discussed opportunities and challenges in the training market. They also gained practical insights into the world of training at SÜLZLE KOPF.

Balance sheet on the training market

According to the Employment Agency, the training market will remain an applicant’s market in 2024/25: there were 54 applicants for every 100 registered training places. “I would like to express my special thanks to all companies that are investing in training despite these challenging times,” emphasized Sylvia Scholz, Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Rottweil-Villingen-Schwenningen Employment Agency.

Miriam Kammerer, Deputy Head of Division at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, added: “Training is worthwhile – for everyone.” While the Chamber of Industry and Commerce recorded a 7.7 percent decline in newly concluded training contracts, the skilled trades in the region grew by 3.6 percent.

The skilled trades play a central role in future-oriented topics such as sustainable construction, the energy transition, and the maintenance of modern data centers. This is also reflected in the apprenticeships at SÜLZLE KOPF, which deal with projects related to energy generation, water treatment, and wastewater treatment, for example.

“Anyone who enters the skilled trades today is actively working on the future,” said Werner Rottler, President of the Constance Chamber of Skilled Trades. “Young talents and training companies deserve the best conditions – we are strongly committed to this.”

Strong commitment to training

Managing directors Edgar Schröder and Norbert Bauer welcomed the participants of the press conference and media representatives, emphasizing the special importance of training at SÜLZLE KOPF. Together with production manager and trainer Dennis Tews and trainees Felix Klausmann and Inas Varupa, they provided lively insights into everyday training and the job profiles on offer.

A special feature at SÜLZLE KOPF is that both IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and skilled trades professions are trained here – two chambers under one roof. Currently, around 13 percent of the workforce is in training, which corresponds to 26 junior staff in ten different training occupations.

“Our biggest challenge is to find committed young talent and inspire them to pursue our professions in the long term,” explained Norbert Bauer. “Professions that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence in the future, but rely on skill, passion, and experience.” Edgar Schröder added: “We invest specifically in the training and further development of our skilled workers.”

Promoting young talent with prospects

Dennis Tews demonstrated just how diverse training at SÜLZLE KOPF can be: starting out as an apprentice plant mechanic specializing in apparatus engineering, he is now a master craftsman, welding specialist, trainer, and production manager. He is particularly passionate about supporting young people on their career path. He is currently participating in the SÜLZLE Group’s talent development program, which supports the personal and professional development of young talent: “I really enjoy working with our trainees. I want to encourage them and show them that anything is possible at SÜLZLE KOPF,” said Tews.

The trainees also reported on their experiences – from the family-like atmosphere and respectful interaction to the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage. A final tour of the production facilities demonstrated the company’s wide range of services.

Conclusion

The press conference made it clear that behind all the figures are people who are shaping the future with commitment, skill, and passion. SÜLZLE KOPF and many other companies in the region demonstrate that dual training not only produces skilled workers, but also creates real prospects—for companies, the region, and young people.

SÜLZLE KOPF would like to express its sincere thanks for the open exchange and is delighted to have hosted this important event.