Young Talent Days 2026

Our apprentices Nils Spatar and Rafael Schüßler took part in the Young Talent Days in Düsseldorf, connecting with young talents from various SPIE companies. They presented their own software project, made new contacts, and gained exciting insights into career paths, further training, and the diverse opportunities at SPIE.

Düsseldorf, September 10, 2026 – This year, our apprentices Nils Spatar and Rafael Schüßler headed to the Young Talent Days in Düsseldorf. Both are training as IT specialists (Fachinformatiker) at SPIE AUTOMATION. They were accompanied by our Software Consultant, Patrick Gruczyk.

The Young Talent Days are part of the first Young Talent Month at the ONE SPIE Experience Center on the EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf. The format brings together apprentices and students from various SPIE companies to encourage exchange and networking among them. It gives them the opportunity to present their own projects, make new contacts, and get to know other areas within SPIE.

Looking beyond one’s own horizon
For Nils and Rafael, it was especially interesting to talk with apprentices and students from completely different fields. They exchanged experiences about their training, current projects, and everyday work, gaining insights into areas they otherwise have little contact with. It quickly became clear just how different everyday work at SPIE can look.

Until now, we mainly knew our own site. Being there in Düsseldorf really made us realize how big and diverse SPIE actually is.

Rafael | Apprentice IT Specialist
SPIE AUTOMATION

Their own project in tow
A special highlight for Nils and Rafael was presenting their own apprentice project – the only pure software project on-site. The two are currently working on the visualization of a logistics warehouse. For this, they’re developing a website that can also be accessed via smartphone. Products can be ordered through a simplified web shop. The respective product then appears in the visualization, is transported through the logistics warehouse on a conveyor belt, and is shipped at the end.

In doing so, Nils and Rafael gave the other participants insight into their field while also gaining their first experience presenting their project to a larger audience.

For us, it was the first time we presented our project in front of so many people. That was quite different from just talking about it within our own team.

Nils | Apprentice IT Specialist
SPIE AUTOMATION

Conversations on equal footing
Further training, career paths, and opportunities after completing an apprenticeship were also topics at the Young Talent Days. The program was rounded out with future-focused topics such as artificial intelligence and sustainability. Alongside the projects and interactive program segments, there was also plenty of time for personal introductions and conversation. This included two meetings with senior management, where participants could talk directly, on a first-name basis and as equals.

A look at the bigger picture
Through exchanges with the other participants, they gained a better understanding of the services SPIE can offer its customers. They also learned more about One SPIE – an initiative by SPIE that strengthens networking and collaboration within the SPIE Group.

Their companion Patrick also used the event to exchange ideas with other participants and supervisors about everyday life as an apprentice.

It was great to see how much motivation the two bring and how much drive they have to tackle things and keep developing them further.

Patrick | Software Consultant
SPIE AUTOMATION

Hungry for more
The Young Talent Days also got Nils and Rafael thinking about life after their apprenticeship. The projects presented provided ideas for possible final theses. At the same time, conversations about further training, advancement, and other career paths at SPIE showed them what opportunities await after their third year of training.

So the two headed back to their own site with plenty of new impressions and the motivation to actively tackle the next steps of their training.

This is SPIE AUTOMATION

With a team of over 350 colleagues, SPIE AUTOMATION develops tailored solutions in the fields of Automation, Robotics, Digitalization, Manufacturing, Assembly & Relocation, Process Engineering, and Maintenance & Servicing.

Further insights into our team and our work can also be found on our social media channels.