“With their outstanding performance in the Upper Austrian Apprentice Competition, our apprentices have once again impressively demonstrated how important passion and commitment are. It is wonderful to see the dedication with which they contribute to shaping both the present and future of our company,” says Maria Koller, CHRO at PALFINGER. Maria Koller personally congratulated the winners on their awards during the official ceremony at the LASK soccer stadium in Linz, attributing their success also to the apprentices’ trainers.
PALFINGER talents at the forefront of technology and industry
In the technical competition, Johannes Roider (mechanical engineer) and Julian Ritter (engineering designer) each took first place, Simon Emminger (mechatronics engineer) took second place in the mechatronics sector, and Ellena Rinnerthaler (mechatronics engineer) secured third place in the special category “Women in Technology”. In the commercial sector, first place went to Elena Mackinger (industrial clerk), and third place to Lisa Neudecker (industrial clerk). Elena Mackinger was also awarded with the title of “Best Apprentice 2025”.
The industrial apprenticeship competitions are among the most important events for young professionals in Austria. Originally conceived purely as intermediate exams, they now offer all apprentices the opportunity to prove their skills in a competitive environment. In 2025, a total of 50 awards were presented, including in the “Women in Technology” category with 93 participants, as well as for the “Best Apprentice of the Year.” The competitions took place between April 25 and May 17 at 22 venues in Upper Austria, including PALFINGER's largest production site in Lengau.
Training with prospects for the future
PALFINGER has been offering apprenticeship training for more than 50 years and attaches great importance to quality and future prospects. 113 apprentices, 20 percent of whom are women, are currently being trained in 16 different professions at the PALFINGER Campus in Lengau. The courses on offer are complemented by innovative training modes, including apprenticeships in combination with a high school diploma, the Dual Academy, and Study & Work. More than 90 percent of qualified apprentices remain loyal to the company over the long term and take on a variety of roles up to middle management, both in Austria and internationally. In addition, PALFINGER is taking steps to offer apprenticeship training at around 25 locations worldwide to ensure a global training standard.
