German apprenticeship programs expand with new training and sport initiatives

The schauinsland-reisen Group will launch its group‑wide apprenticeship scheme, YoungTalent Journey, on 1 August. The programme, covering the group's brands including Explorer, Blum and Meimberg, follows four pillars – Explore, Build, Connect and Expand – and provides structured rotations, a new internal training academy, digital‑tool skills, soft‑skill development and opportunities for cross‑company networking and overseas experience.

In the Kreis Viersen region, the initiative "Azubi trifft Sport – Starke Azubis. Starke Unternehmen" has been introduced by the Kreissportbund together with the district administration, the local Agency for Work, the Jobcenter and regional companies. Funded for 2026‑2027 by the North‑Rhine Westphalia minister‑president, the project offers sports activities, health promotion and additional qualifications such as Juleica youth‑leader training, aiming to reduce stress, improve social confidence and strengthen teamwork among apprentices.