ÖBB and Infineon jointly train coding apprentices

Villach, September 28, 2023 - Skilled workers are in hot demand. In the age of digitalization, this is especially true for information technology (IT). IT specialists are the invisible heroes of the digital world, so to speak, who work in the background to ensure that everything from IT systems to data transmission functions perfectly and securely. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG and Infineon Technologies Austria AG have therefore launched a new apprenticeship training cooperation in Villach: Starting in September, they will jointly train apprentices in the field of application development and coding. There are currently 8 apprentices in the program.

Silvia Angelo, Member of the Management Board of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG: "As ÖBB, we are constantly expanding our apprenticeship training: This year alone, we have taken on around 700 new apprentices across Austria, which is a new record. I am particularly pleased that we are now able to offer the future-oriented apprenticeship in application development - coding in Villach for the first time together with Infineon Technologies Austria AG. I wish the young people who have just started their training every success and an exciting apprenticeship. Later, they will be among the skilled workers with whom we will master the challenges of digitization."

Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Austria: "For the green and digital transformation to succeed, we need highly trained specialists as well as strong partners who will join us in actively driving forward the major issues of decarbonization and digitalization. I am therefore particularly pleased that we are offering highly innovative training for IT apprenticeships for the first time with ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG. Together, we offer young people training at the cutting edge of such important topics as sustainable mobility, renewable energies or the Internet of Things! In this way, we are creating a new opportunity for the successful apprenticeship model."

IT know-how as a superpower for digitization
With the apprenticeship "Application Development-Coding", Infineon offers for the first time a top apprenticeship in IT in addition to the apprenticeships in electrical and metal and process engineering. IT know-how from Carinthia is highly relevant, as all Infineon sites worldwide are centrally controlled by Infineon IT at Lakeside Park in Klagenfurt. This is where the digital infrastructure is created to perfectly develop and manufacture Infineon's energy-saving chips, which can be found around the world in e-cars, smartphones or wind and photovoltaic systems, for example. The apprentices here have an attractive environment with state-of-the-art equipment and a wide range of development and career opportunities in a globally active company.    

ÖBB has been training coders in its own training workshop in Vienna since 2020. Villach is now the second training location for this specialty. Alongside mechatronics and electronic information and telecommunications technology, this apprenticeship is one of ÖBB's most important digitization training programs. A wide range of career opportunities await the fully trained coders at ÖBB. For example, our coders support the installation and maintenance of our railroad IT systems, the handling of punctual and safe train journeys, e.g. in the area of the Business Competence Center or ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG. More information on the extensive range of apprenticeships offered by ÖBB can be found at nasicher.at.

Coding Apprenticeship training four years
Over the next four years, eight apprentices will be trained jointly by ÖBB and Infineon. They will start with a 2-year basic training in the premises of the GPS training center in Villach. The young people are accompanied by a coding instructor from ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, who is supported by colleagues in Vienna, and by a trainer from Infineon Technologies Austria AG. Afterwards, the young people return to their own company and to practical assignments at the other company, where their practical skills are completed. Parallel to the very demanding apprenticeship, all apprentices also take the Matura during their apprenticeship - an offer that Infineon and ÖBB support and encourage.

Application Development- Coding is about secure applications for IT platforms such as servers, IT networks, computers, smartphones and tablets. Programming apps, learning the various codes, databases, data protection, cyber security and encryption are the order of the day here and are a joy for tinkerers and creative minds alike.

Infineon Technologies Austria AG is a group subsidiary of Infineon Technologies AG, a world-leading provider of semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon reduce the energy consumption of consumer electronics, domestic appliances and industrial facilities. They make a major contribution to the convenience, security and sustainability of vehicles, and enable secure transactions in the Internet of Things.

Infineon Austria pools competencies for research and development, production as well as global business responsibility. The head office is in Villach, with further branches in Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz and Vienna. With 5,461 employees from 79 countries (including 2,390 in research and development), in the financial year 2022 (ending in September) the company achieved a turnover of € 5.2 billion. With a research expenditure of 585 million euros, Infineon Austria is one of the strongest research companies in Austria.