REWE Group Austria Defies Retail Trend with 12% Apprenticeship Surge – Urgent Breaking News
Vienna, Austria – July 21, 2025 – In a surprising move that signals a strong commitment to future talent, REWE Group Austria is bucking a national trend of declining apprenticeships in the domestic trade sector. The company announced a remarkable 12% increase in apprenticeship placements in 2024, even as overall retail apprenticeships fell by approximately six percent. This news, breaking just moments ago, highlights a proactive strategy to address the growing skills gap and secure a pipeline of qualified professionals. This is a story that will resonate with anyone interested in the future of work, youth employment, and the evolving retail landscape – and it’s a story archyde.com is bringing you first.
SkillsFactory25: Investing in the Next Generation
At the heart of REWE’s success lies the “SkillsFactory25” initiative, a dynamic program designed to equip apprentices with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Just this week, over 590 apprentices participated in 30 workshops held in Schladming, Austria, alongside 35 managers and industry guests. The curriculum isn’t limited to traditional retail skills; it extends to cutting-edge areas like AI-supported learning, mindfulness, and advanced communication techniques. “Our employees – both seasoned professionals and apprentices – are given the opportunity to train individually depending on their interest and suitability,” explains Arnd Riehl, Head of People & Culture at REWE Group Austria. This personalized approach is clearly paying dividends.
Beyond the Supermarket: Diverse Training Paths
REWE’s commitment extends beyond simply increasing numbers. The company offers a remarkably diverse range of training paths, encompassing not only classic retail roles – specializing in food, perfumery, or delicatessen – but also technical apprenticeships in areas like food technology, logistics, metal technology, and even pastry making. Notably, Penny, a REWE subsidiary, is now offering training as a meat seller, expanding opportunities even further. Perhaps most forward-thinking is the introduction of a new “Digital Sales” apprenticeship, recognizing the increasing importance of e-commerce and digital marketing in the retail sector. This isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about creating career pathways.
A Holistic Approach to Apprenticeship
REWE understands that attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a job description. The company offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including performance-based bonuses, exciting excursions, international internship opportunities, and competitive pay aligned with collective bargaining agreements. Crucially, REWE also invests heavily in ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities. “We don’t just want to offer young people an introduction,” emphasizes Riehl, “but also a way up.” This holistic approach is a model for other companies looking to build a sustainable workforce.
The Austrian apprenticeship system, historically strong, is facing challenges in certain sectors. REWE’s success demonstrates that investing in innovative training programs and creating a supportive environment can overcome these hurdles. The company’s proactive stance is not only beneficial for its own future but also contributes to the overall health of the Austrian economy. For businesses struggling to find skilled workers, REWE’s strategy offers a valuable blueprint: prioritize skills development, embrace diversity in training, and create a culture of opportunity.
With over 2,400 apprentices across Austria, REWE Group is solidifying its position as one of the country’s largest and most progressive training companies. This commitment to nurturing the next generation of retail professionals is a story worth watching – and a testament to the power of investing in people. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and insights into the future of work.
Learn more about REWE Group Austria at www.rewe-group.at.
