Welcome to NürnbergMesse: The First Day of the 2026 Apprentice Class

Sixteen young talents, countless new impressions, and a program that goes far beyond a traditional first day at work: on September 1, ten apprentices and six dual-study students began their professional journey at NürnbergMesse. The focus was not only on organizational matters, but also on getting to know one another, exchanging ideas, and settling into a new environment.

Written by Johanna Köhler

16 apprentices and dual-track students pose for a group photo in the foyer of NürnbergMesse.

The first day does not begin with lengthy presentations or dry lectures. Instead, the Paris Hall in NCC West gradually fills with new faces, first conversations, and a tangible sense of anticipation for the years ahead. Within minutes, it becomes clear that nobody is starting this journey alone. Before the official start of the apprenticeship program, the apprentices from the previous year had already organized several get-together events, ensuring that names from application documents had already become familiar faces and first contacts. As a result, conversations start quickly. Curious questions, initial exchanges, and lively discussions soon shape the atmosphere in the room. “I had mixed feelings this morning, especially excitement and anticipation. I was looking forward to the day and to seeing the people I had already met beforehand,” says Helena Ullrich, who is beginning her apprenticeship as an event management assistant.

Starting Together Instead of Alone

This year, NürnbergMesse welcomes ten apprentices and six dual-study students. The apprenticeship programs include Event Management Assistant, Marketing Communications Assistant, and, for the first time in several years, Electronics Technician for Building and Infrastructure Systems. The new cohort is complemented by dual-study students enrolled in Business Administration with a focus on Trade Fair, Congress and Event Management, as well as Business Administration with a focus on Media and Communications Management.

Katharina Modjesch, Manager HR Development and responsible for supporting apprentices and dual-study students, emphasizes the importance of vocational training for NürnbergMesse: “We invest heavily in our young talent and train employees for our own future needs. It is extremely important for us to invest in the future and secure our demand for skilled professionals. Apprenticeship programs are also a way of preserving knowledge.” More than 1,000 applications were submitted, from which the 16 new apprentices and dual-study students were ultimately selected.

The new recruits are working in groups at tables in the Paris Hall at NCC West. — Interactive activities and group tasks encourage exchange from the very first days.

NürnbergMesse as a Quiz Show

Following the welcome session, the group immediately begins working together. The apprentices and dual-study students are divided into teams and receive an assignment prepared by the apprentices from the second year of training. Their task is to explore the history of NürnbergMesse, its events, and its development, and then transform their findings into a quiz show.

Surrounded by whiteboards, sticky notes, and lively discussions, the teams research, collect information, and develop creative ideas. The focus is not only on facts and figures, but also on getting to know one another. Topics range from the founding and development of NürnbergMesse to its international activities and well-known proprietary events such as GaLaBau.

The active involvement of second-year apprentices has a special purpose: just one year ago, they were sitting in exactly the same seats. “The year went by incredibly fast. I got to know many teams, gained a lot of experience, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s still to come,” says Nina Psczolla, who is now in the second year of her apprenticeship in Marketing Communications. Alexander von Dobschütz, a dual-study student in Trade Fair, Congress and Event Management, also takes the opportunity to share some advice: “Be open to new experiences, contribute your ideas, build connections throughout the company, and ask questions. The apprenticeship offers many opportunities if you take advantage of them.”

Two people are writing on a glass pane with markers during an outdoor team activity. — A small social media activity becomes a shared introduction for the new apprenticeship class.

First Connections, New Perspectives, and a Little Instagram

Alongside organizational topics and initial insights into everyday training, there is also plenty of room for fun. During an interactive break in the exhibition park, the second-year apprentices organize a small social media activity. The new event management apprentices sign their names on a glass panel. The goal is to create an Instagram video introducing the new event management apprentices of the 2026/27 cohort.

Activities like this are a recurring part of the entire onboarding week. The program includes group assignments, networking activities, exchanges with experienced apprentices, and a welcome session with CEO Peter Ottmann. Additional elements include presentations by the Youth and Apprentice Representation Committee, group and portrait photography, various training sessions, and first visits to the different departments. For the new apprentices and students, these experiences offer valuable opportunities to meet colleagues throughout the company and gradually find their place within the organization. “What I’m most looking forward to is getting to know people even better, working together on projects, and being surprised by what the next few weeks will bring,” says future event management assistant Till Hollmann.

Laying the Foundation for the Years Ahead

When the onboarding days come to an end after many activities and new experiences, one feeling remains above all else: a sense of belonging. For Katharina Modjesch, that is precisely the most important goal of the first days: “For me, the onboarding process is successful if, by the end of the first day, the apprentices feel comfortable and welcome, have already made their first connections, and see themselves as part of the group. This first sense of cohesion is an important foundation for a successful apprenticeship.”

Looking at the many conversations, collaborative activities, and new connections already formed, it appears that this foundation was laid on the very first day. For the 16 new apprentices and dual-study students, this marks not only the beginning of a new training year but also the start of a new chapter at NürnbergMesse.

Author

Johanna Köhler

Online Editing // PR Trainee