EnviTec Biogas AG has onboarded 22 trainees across its locations in Lohne and Saerbeck, Germany, marking the largest cohort in the company's restructured training programme. Seven new apprenticeships began in August 2026, with two participants continuing from support staff roles into formal skilled worker tracks.
The company reported seven successful training completions this year — the highest number on record — with five of those trainees hired permanently. EnviTec offers nine distinct apprenticeship pathways including plant mechanic, industrial clerk and warehouse logistics specialist, providing entry routes across operational, administrative and logistical functions within biogas plant operations.
The expansion reflects strategic investment in workforce development as a response to acute skilled worker shortages across Europe's biogas sector. Jan-Carlos Grote-Gartenschläger, training manager at EnviTec, said the company has 'further developed training structures and improved the quality of curriculum frameworks' since restructuring its apprenticeship model in 2023.
Notable participants include Anastasiia Musiienko, a Ukrainian national who began as an administrative assistant in January before being offered retraining as an industrial clerk, and Kristian Braier, also Ukrainian, who progressed from warehouse assistant to formal warehouse logistics apprenticeship. Tom Nolte, age 21, is pursuing plant mechanic training after completing a multi-day internship that informed his career choice.
The three-day orientation programme combines onboarding with team-building exercises and facility tours. Participants visited the Saerbeck production site and were led through plant construction overview by Jakob Falkenstein, managing director of EnviTec Plant Construction.
Over 23 years, EnviTec has completed more than 60 apprenticeships. CEO Olaf von Lehmden said the high completion and retention rates demonstrate 'our consistent commitment to developing young talent' as a direct response to labour market pressures. 'As an innovative player in the biogas industry, we will continue to rely on young talent trained to a high standard,' he noted.
The company employs approximately 700 people across its operations.
EnviTec Biogas records highest apprenticeship completions amid skills shortage
