Only with trained specialists and future leaders can Deutsche Bahn continue to drive its ecological transformation and uphold social responsibility. Therefore, the Group launched the sustainability traineeship and has been training academic young professionals in environmental and sustainability management since February 2023 – Group-wide and across business units.
18 months – comprehensive practical insights
The program lasts a total of 18 months and, after a multifaceted onboarding process, takes the trainees through three work placements. The graduate trainees complete the first of the three six-month placements in the primary department of their business units at DB Bahnbau Gruppe, DB Energie, DB Fernverkehr, DB Regio, or DB InfraGO.
In the next stage, the trainees are deployed in the sustainability and environmental department, where they build up skills in cross-divisional projects and sustainability management through a ecological transformation project. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to explore other business areas and departments as part of weekly stations.
The stations
First station
The primary department
In their primary department, trainees learn about the strategic and operational core tasks of their business division in the field of sustainability. For example, the trainees assist with the development of climate-neutral infrastructure projects, help define environmental protection strategies or drive the heating and energy transition.
Second station
The sustainability department
During the second station, trainees actively contribute to the ecological transformation and social responsibility within the department’s strategic and operational scope. For six months, they support the sustainability department, build comprehensive expertise in all environmental action fields, and help to manage Group-wide sustainability measures.
Third Station
The Group project
At the interface of various business divisions, trainees apply their project management skills in practice during the third station. Active involvement in a Group-wide ecological transformation project provides a new perspective on sustainability challenges at DB.
Plus
Weekly rotations
During various weekly stations, trainees also have the opportunity to get to know other business areas and specialist departments across stations. Over a period of up to nine weeks, they thus have the opportunity to gain additional insights and a broad understanding of DB.
Profound insight – ideal outlook
The sustainability trainee program provides a Group-wide view of the complexity and interrelationships of sustainability management. With close professional support and personalized seminars, the program prepares participants for their permanent employment and work in DB's sustainability management team.
Upon completion of the program, the junior employees will be able to demonstrate comprehensive project management skills, in-depth expertise in sustainability and detailed knowledge of the rail system. In addition, the Sustainability Traineeship helps its participants to build a broad professional network.
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