Federal Education Minister Prien Visits Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg
Hamburg, August 1, 2026 – Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) visited Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg on Friday, July 31, 2026, engaging with apprentices and career changers. During a tour of the maintenance hangar, discussions focused on the opportunities within vocational education and the significance of the aviation industry.
Prien Emphasizes the Importance of Aviation
During her visit, Minister Prien underscored the vital role of the aviation sector for the German economy. “I strongly advocate for young people to show interest in this field,” stated the Minister, highlighting aviation as a key industry poised for future growth. Lufthansa Technik received commendation for its commitment to training both new apprentices and career changers.
Currently, Lufthansa Technik employs nearly 600 apprentices and several hundred career changers, who are considered the future of the company. The eleven vocational training programs offered include engine and tool mechanics, aviation electronics, and maintenance technology. Apprentices and career changers also have the option of pursuing a dual study program and benefit from numerous additional services. Prien lauded Lufthansa Technik for putting together such a comprehensive package.
Career Changers: From Car Mechanics to Aviation
Among the career changers currently being trained at Lufthansa Technik’s specialized training center, many are former car mechanics, as well as plant and industrial mechanics. Prien noted that she has met individuals, for example, from the automotive industry, “who are now being trained here as lateral and career entrants and have good future prospects.”
In light of the shortage of skilled workers, vocational training must be as attractive as university studies. It is also crucial to enable transitions from one career path to another, such as after an aborted university degree.
Working on Real Aircraft: A Key Advantage
Janna Schumacher, Head of Human Resources at Lufthansa Technik, highlighted that working on real aircraft is a significant advantage. However, she also acknowledged challenges. Many young people today have less practical experience than in the past, which can make it harder to attract them to these vocational training programs.
Lufthansa Technik Expands and Creates Jobs
The core business of Lufthansa Technik involves maintaining, repairing, and converting aircraft. The company is currently undertaking three new construction projects in Hamburg, demonstrating its significant growth and commitment to expanding its workforce.
Previous Milestones for Lufthansa Technik:
- First Maintenance of a Weapon-Bearing Aircraft: A Boeing P8-A Poseidon submarine reconnaissance aircraft recently underwent its first scheduled maintenance at Lufthansa Technik.
- Record Turnover: The aircraft maintenance company reported a record turnover of over seven billion euros and record profits last year.
These developments underscore Lufthansa Technik’s prominent position in the aviation industry and its role in providing crucial vocational training opportunities in Germany.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/bundesbildungsministerin-prien-besucht-lufthansa-technik-in-hamburg,lufthansa-1084.html
