For 50 years, we at BLOCK Transformatoren-Elektronik have been opening doors for young people entering the professional world and guiding them through the first steps of their careers. What began in 1975 has become a cornerstone of our corporate philosophy: fostering, training, and developing our own young talent.
A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
In the past five decades, 432 apprentices have started their professional journey with us – an impressive testament to our sustained commitment to vocational training. Even more remarkable: 124 of them are still part of the BLOCK family today, actively contributing their knowledge and passion to our success.
A particularly emotional chapter closed last year: our very first apprentice, personally hired and trained by our CEO Wolfgang Reichelt in 1975, retired after nearly half a century of dedicated work.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Today, our training programs are more diverse than ever. From industrial clerks, media designers, mechatronics technicians, electronics technicians, and logistics specialists to IT specialists, technical product designers, industrial and construction mechanics, and machine operators – we offer a wide spectrum of career paths. Our apprentices are supported by a team of six dedicated trainers who share their expertise through hands-on instruction.
We also provide opportunities for dual study programs or PhD studies.
COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE
Since July 2025, our training department has been led by one of our own former apprentices: Alica Bogner began her training as an industrial clerk in 2013 and later earned a master’s degree in business psychology. With her experience and enthusiasm, she now leads our strong tradition of talent development into the future, together with the training team.
„Supporting and developing young talent has always been a matter close to my heart. We invest in young people because they are the ones shaping the future of our company.“
- Wolfgang Reichelt -
This investment has paid off: in recent years, our apprentices have earned numerous awards, including three national top honors in product design, multiple state-level first-place finishes, and four IHK (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) awards across various professions – powerful proof of the high quality of training at BLOCK.
Today, we are an internationally successful company with a history spanning more than 85 years. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Block, we were transformed after Wolfgang Reichelt took over in 1971 from a five-person operation into a global enterprise with 800 employees worldwide. We are now a leading manufacturer of inductive and electronic components, with products in demand across the globe.
Training at BLOCK means more than passing on knowledge – it connects generations. This is illustrated in a conversation between our CEO Wolfgang Reichelt and Head of Training Alica Bogner. Two perspectives, one goal: to empower young people for the future.
Together, they look back – and ahead: at five decades of training history, at moving moments, great achievements, and the people who have made BLOCK what it is today.
WHERE TRADITION MEETS CURIOSITY
Training at BLOCK means more than passing on knowledge – it connects generations. This is illustrated in a conversation between our CEO Wolfgang Reichelt and Head of Training Alica Bogner. Two perspectives, one goal: to empower young people for the future.
Together, they look back – and ahead: at five decades of training history, at moving moments, great achievements, and the people who have made BLOCK what it is today.
Alica Bogner: Mr. Reichelt, you have been involved in training at BLOCK from the very beginning. What are your memories of this journey?
Wolfgang Reichelt: I’ve witnessed all the changes in vocational training. New job profiles were created, and the same happened at BLOCK. I started with five people and today we have 800 employees worldwide. Back then, we only focused on one training occupation, but more were added over time.
Bogner: Many former apprentices have accompanied you throughout their entire professional lives and even into retirement.
Reichelt: Yes, quite a few. I often ask myself: what was the most important thing in my life? My own apprenticeship at Alfred Block as a radio and television technician laid the foundation. That’s why I’ve always placed great value on strong training. Many of our former apprentices still work with us, and even those who went elsewhere carried their knowledge with them. One recently told me: “Mr. Reichelt, I am still grateful today for what I learned at BLOCK.” That’s a real seal of quality.
Bogner: Are there moments that made you particularly proud?
Reichelt: The success of our apprentices. Three of them were ranked number one in all of Germany. Who else can say that? It shows how outstanding our trainers are – and how much support comes from the families, too. Training is the starting point; after that, the possibilities are wide open.
Bogner: What message would you give to young people deciding on their future career path today?
Reichelt: Pursue solid training – whether in business, engineering, or trades. Try internships to see if it’s a good fit. I was lucky to practice my dream profession my whole life. Success is not only about career but also about satisfaction. In my view, three things lead to success: first, good training; second, the ability to practice your profession; and third, the bit of luck to find the right guidance along the way.
Bogner: A wonderful message – thank you very much for the conversation!
With this look back at half a century of successful training, BLOCK now looks forward – to the next generations who will help shape the future of our company.