Former trainees celebrate 50 years of friendship in Kusel!

Former trainees celebrate 50 years of friendship in Kusel!

On April 20, 2025, a very special meeting took place in Kusel. Former trainees of the Kuseler Branch from Albert Frankenthal gathered to see you again after over 50 years. The meeting was initiated by Hans Blum, the former head of the training workshop, and attracted 60 former apprentices from 1970 to 1974. They came together to remind you and review their training period.

Among the participants, Franz Braun, Blums of earlier instructors and later successors were also located. The event took place at the former place of work in Kusel, which increased the nostalgic character of the meeting. It was an emotional reunion for many who had not seen themselves in some cases for decades.

reunion in Emden

Another remarkable meeting took place 55 years after the training of former apprentices in the Volkswagenwerk Emden. Eight former VW apprentices, including Alfred Stomberg, Alfred Popp, Karl-Heinz Hoffmann and Icko Gerdes, met to get an insight into today's training at Volkswagen. Michael Rieken, the head of the Volkswagen Akademie Emden, and trainer Johann Schmidt gave the former an overview of the current technical training occupations.

The Volkswagen Academy did not exist at the time of the apprentices at the time, which is why today's meetings are of particular importance. The former trainees were impressed by the modern and demanding training in the workshops for industrial mechanics and electronics technicians. This offered the participants the opportunity to understand the developments in their former industry and to experience the change in training over the years.

alumni networks and their meaning

Such reunion celebrations are not only important for personal relationships, they also illustrate the value of alumni networks. These networks offer a platform for professional exchange and networking with current scholarship holders. The DAAD, for example, organizes alumni events that enable former scholarship holders to pass on their knowledge and learn from each other. There are both large network meetings and smaller events that offer the opportunity to organize your own organization and financial support.

The possibility of exchange and making new contacts are essential for professional and personal development. Over the years, they have contributed to promoting an attitude of the community and cohesion among the former trainees.