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Young Talents at the K 2025

Young Talents at the K 2025

Young Talents

Your career start in the plastics and rubber industry

Are you looking for a cool apprenticeship with a future or are you interested in studying plastics technology? Then you've come to the right place! The K 2025 Young Talents initiative supports you in your career orientation - with information on exciting training paths, study options and sustainable career opportunities. Why? Because the plastics industry needs bright minds to master the key challenges of our time: from the circular economy and climate protection to high-tech solutions in medicine and mobility. Get started now - with careers that really make a difference!

Discover job profiles, learn exciting facts about plastics and use the K as a springboard for your entry into a sustainable career!

       

Offers on the K 2025 for Young Talents

Sunday, October 12th: Career Day

Science and Poetry Slam on Plastics and Waste

(in German)
more info

Expert Talks on the topic of recruiting

(in German)
more info

Young Talents Lounge at the GKV stand
more info

Guided tours for school classes or students

Expert Talks on the topic of recruiting through diversity

(in German)
more info

Panel discussion on ways out of the recruiting crisis

(in German)
more info

HR bullshit bingo on the subject of skills shortages

(in German)
more info

Recruiting Stand-Up

(in German)
more info
Click here to go directly to the event search!

Your entry into the plastics industry

Whether cars, medical products, smartphones or sustainable packaging - (almost) nothing works without plastics. The plastics industry is full of technology, innovation and opportunities - and it is looking for young people like you who want to help shape it.

Whether you are a technology enthusiast, looking for sustainable solutions or simply want to know what you can do with plastics - here you will find lots of exciting apprenticeships, practical degree courses and real career opportunities.

Apprenticeships

The plastics and rubber industry offers you a wide range of career opportunities and apprenticeships. The most important include:

Plastics and rubber technologist

Since 2023, this profession has replaced the former "Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber Technology." The dual vocational training lasts 3 years and combines theory at vocational school with practical experience in the company. There are seven specializations, including components, molded parts, fiber composite technology, and compound and masterbatch production.

Process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology

Although this profession has been replaced by the new title, it is still commonly used in many companies. The training includes operating and controlling automated machines for the production of plastic products.

Machine and plant operator with a focus on plastics technology

This 2-year training program focuses on setting up and operating production machines in plastics processing.

Exemplary training companies

Many companies in Germany offer apprenticeships in the plastics industry. Here are some examples:

Would you like to start an apprenticeship in the field of plastics technology? The GKV will inform you about the necessary steps on the way to your dream job!

Study of plastics technology

Studying plastics technology will give you in-depth knowledge of materials, processing techniques and applications. A degree will open up a wide range of career opportunities for you.

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Bachelor's degree programs in plastics technology

 

 

 

 

Master's degree programs in plastics engineering

  • Hochschule Darmstadt
    Degree program: Polymer Engineering (M.Sc.)
    Duration: 4 Semester
    Type of study: Full-time
    Website: h-da.de/studium/studienangebot/studiengaenge/ingenieurwissenschaften/polymer-engineering-msc

 

 

Dual study program in plastics technology

 

 

 

 

 

Further training opportunities

Industrial foreman in plastics and rubber (IHK)

This advanced training qualifies skilled workers for leadership roles in the plastics and rubber processing industry. The further education corresponds to DQR level 6, comparable to a bachelor's degree.

State-certified technician for plastics technology and fiber composite technology

This further training qualifies for middle to upper management positions in plastics manufacturing and processing.

Certificate courses and seminars

For specific expertise, various institutions offer certificate courses and seminars:

Distance learning program in plastics engineering

For professionals who want to pursue academic further education, there are distance learning programs:

Plastics are increasingly in demand and being used more widely. As a "generalist," you can make a valuable contribution when it comes to saving resources and finding alternative materials.

Oliver Fuss, mechatronics technician and process mechanic
Arburg
Oliver Fuss

Anyone who is passionate about technology and wants to plan, wire, program, and commission systems themselves should definitely take a closer look at this apprenticeship profession.

Yannick Herzog, electronics technician for automation technology
Arburg
Yannick Herzog

In many cases, plastics are the best—and often the only—way to develop future-proof product solutions.

Nick Link, trainee business administrator for digitalization management
Pöppelmann
Nick Link

I am particularly enthusiastic about the diversity of the injection moulding process and the range of tasks and challenges involved in optimizing a component.

Marcel Piechnik, Technical Project Manager
Light Mobility Solutions
Marcel Piechnik

I can only encourage people to join the plastics industry. It is an innovative industry that plays an important role in all the major issues of the future.

Tanja Rühl, Education Manager
PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V.
Tanja Rühl
You can find even more inspiring input about Young Talents in K-Mag!

Plastic Fun Facts

The LEGO brick is made of particularly robust ABS plastic - a material that has remained almost unchanged since 1958.
The first fully recycled sneaker is already on the market - made from recycled plastic.
In the "Star Wars" films, many droid costumes are made from thermoformed plastic parts.
Modern cars are up to 20% lighter because many components are now made of plastic instead of metal. This saves fuel or increases the range of electric vehicles.
The plastics industry provides over one million jobs in Europe - an industry with real prospects for the future.
Wind turbines would not be feasible without plastics: their rotor blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
A single PET bottle is made up of around 10,000 plastic molecules.
More than 80,000 people in Germany are trained in plastics processing.
There are over 30 degree programs related to plastics and plastics engineering.
As a plastics technologist, you operate high-tech machines that manufacture components for airplanes, smartphones, or even space travel.
Plastics also played an important role in the moon landing: Neil Armstrong’s helmet was made of durable polycarbonate.
Many medical devices, such as syringes, catheters, or implants, are made from specialty plastics. They are indispensable for modern healthcare - and save lives every day.

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More info about K 2025

Trade show booth at the K trade fair
Exhibitor
Hall and site plan of K 2025
Hall plan
Photo from K-Mag, the magazine for K 2025
Magazine
Ticket scan at the entrance of the K trade fair
Ticketshop

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