Organised by FACHPACK and the German Packaging Institute (dvi), the Students Day celebrated its premiere on 26 September 2024. Students from various fields of study and from colleges and universities in Berlin, Dresden, Hannover, Kempten, Munich, Münster, Neu-Ulm, Nordhausen, Stuttgart and Vienna took advantage of the opportunity to experience the packaging industry up close and gain valuable insights for their careers.
A central element of the Students Day was the trade fair rally, during which the students visited the stands of the participating companies and were able to gain a direct insight into the packaging industry. They experienced how diverse the industry is and how important it is for numerous other industries – from the food and cosmetics industry to logistics and e-commerce. This direct contact helped many students to get a clearer picture of the various career opportunities that might await them later in their professional lives. Winfried Batzke, Senior Consultant at dvi, was delighted with the response: “The students were impressed by the diversity and vitality of the industry, which they were able to experience on their individual tours.”
After lunch, the students and representatives from companies such as Beiersdorf, Dalli, Henkel, Herma, Smurfit Westrock and Tchibo were able to talk to each other in a relaxed atmosphere at a speed-dating event, giving the young talents an opportunity to make personal contacts.
This was followed by two practice-oriented workshops, in which companies and students worked together to discuss current challenges in the packaging industry and develop creative solutions. These workshops not only offered a deeper insight into how the industry works, but also gave students the opportunity to exchange their ideas directly with experienced professionals.
Winfried Batzke was extremely satisfied with the first Students Day at FACHPACK: “There are five letters in the word that sums it up: super. It's simply a win-win situation when we bring together the next generation of students and leading companies in the industry. Whether it's about building a network, inputting fresh ideas, getting feedback from young target groups or insights into the practical work and processes of companies, it's worthwhile for everyone involved.”
The success of the event shows how important it is to promote dialogue between industry and young talent, to break down barriers and to show students the attractiveness of the packaging industry. Batzke therefore also emphasised that the Students Day and the student conference will remain an integral part of the dvi's work with young talent, as they are of great benefit to everyone involved.
