Since February 2023, Deutsche Bahn AG has been training academic young professionals in environmental and sustainability management through its graduate trainee program—across the entire Group and all business segments.
18 months – comprehensive practical insights
The program lasts a total of 18 months and, after a multifaceted onboarding process, takes the 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 Fernverkehr, DB Regio, or DB InfraGO. In the next stage, the trainees are deployed in the sustainability and environmental department, where they build up skills in cross-divisional projects and sustainability management through a ecological transformation project. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to explore other business areas and departments as part of weekly stations.
The stations
First station
The primary department
In their home divisions, graduate trainees learn about the core strategic and operational tasks of their business units in the area of sustainability. In this role, they support the development of infrastructure projects, help define environmental protection strategies, and contribute to initiatives related to the decarbonization of energy.
Second station
The sustainability department
During their second rotation, trainees spend six months supporting DB’s Sustainability Division, where they can develop comprehensive environmental expertise and assisting in the management of Group-wide sustainability measures.
Third Station
The Group project
At the intersection of various business units, trainees put their project management skills into practice during the third station. Active involvement in a Group-wide project provides a new perspective on the sustainability challenges at DB.
Plus
Weekly rotations
During various weekly stations, trainees also have the opportunity to explore other business areas and departments across different stations. Over a period of up to nine weeks, they gain additional experience and exciting insights into DB.
Profound insight – ideal outlook
The sustainability trainee program provides a Group-wide view of the complexity and interrelationships of sustainability management. With close professional support and personalized seminars, the program prepares participants for their permanent employment and work in DB's sustainability management team.
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.
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