60 young people are starting their professional careers at Hapag-Lloyd this summer. As Germany’s largest maritime training company, Hapag-Lloyd has been investing in young talent for decades. Apprenticeships at Hapag-Lloyd are far more than an entry into working life – for many, they mark the beginning of long-term careers at sea and onshore.
Many employees in responsible positions today began their careers with an apprenticeship or dual study program at Hapag-Lloyd. Three of them represent these career paths – and illustrate what lies behind “Your journey, our horizon.”: individual careers that grow within the company while contributing to its overall success.
30 apprentices are beginning their maritime careers on board this summer, including 14 ship mechanics and 16 nautical officer assistants. Hapag-Lloyd continues to train apprentices on the Chicago Express and the Kuala Lumpur Express before they transition to container ships across the global fleet, gaining hands-on experience at sea early in their careers.
With the Shefarer Program launched this year, Hapag-Lloyd is further developing maritime training. The program aims to attract more women to careers at sea and support them throughout their professional journey. At the same time, the company is investing in modern working conditions on board and increasing the visibility of female role models – including through the targeted deployment of crews with a higher share of women.
Chief Engineer Carsten Bublitz (41) on board the Manila Express also started his career at sea through an apprenticeship: “The technical systems on board are essential for ship operations. During the apprenticeship, you learn to understand these complex and fascinating systems and how everything must work together to ensure smooth operations. As a crew, we are always pleased to welcome new apprentices on board and pass on our knowledge and experience.”
Onshore, 30 apprentices are starting their careers at Ballindamm. Fourteen are training as shipping agents, two as office management assistants, and 14 are enrolled in dual study programs at the HSBA and Nordakademie.
Maika Alpheus (32), now Senior Director for Data Excellence, also began her career as an apprentice: “An apprenticeship at Hapag-Lloyd is not a fixed path, but the foundation for a career. The variety of career paths is a real advantage – for individuals and for Hapag-Lloyd as a whole.”
Arne Zass (38), now Director Digital Business Growth, shares a similar experience: “I started my career with an apprenticeship at Hapag-Lloyd in 2008. From early on, I was able to take on responsibility and shape my own path. For me, it shows that those who are curious and take initiative can develop here – and truly make an impact.”
This approach pays off: most apprentices are offered permanent positions after completing their programs. For Hapag-Lloyd, this is key, as the future of the fleet and the company is therefore also built on its own young talent.
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