We at Deutsche Bahn know that if we want to leave a healthy planet to future generations, we have to act now. At DB, we are rising to this challenge. We are steadily greening all our products and services and the way we do business.
Only with trained specialists and managers can Deutsche Bahn continue to drive forward its green transformation. That's why we launched our graduate trainee program in sustainability. Since February 2023, we have been training young academics in environmental and sustainability management – throughout the Group and across business units. Since April 2024 the second cohort is started.
18 months – comprehensive practical insights
The program lasts a total of 18 months and, after a multifaceted onboarding process, takes our 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 Fahrzeuginstandhaltung, DB Fernverkehr, DB Regio, DB InfraGO.
In the next stage the graduate trainees are deployed in the field of sustainability & environment at DB AG and build up skills in overarching projects and sustainability management in a green transformation project. In addition, there are opportunities across stations to get to know other business areas and specialist areas as part of weekly stations.
The three stages
First stage
The primary department
In their primary department, the trainees learn about their business units' core strategic and operational tasks 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 stage
The sustainability department
In the second stage, the trainees help shape the strategy and content of the green transformation. Over a six-month period, the trainees support DB's sustainability department, build comprehensive expertise in all spheres of activity of the green transformation and social responsibility and help to manage Group-wide sustainability measures.
Third stage
The Group project
In the third stage, trainees put their project management skills into practice at the interface with a wide variety of business units. Active involvement in a Group-wide green transformation project provides a new perspective on the challenge of a full green makeover for our products and working methods.
Plus
Weekly stations
In various weekly stations, the graduate 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 experience and gain exciting insights into DB.
Profound insight – ideal outlook
The graduate trainee program in sustainability offers a Group-wide view of the complexity and interrelationships of sustainable management. With close professional support and personalized seminars, the program prepares participants for their permanent employment and work in DB's sustainability management team in the best possible way.
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.
