Germany's Economics Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck visited Jenoptik

Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck visited Jenoptik on February 15, 2024 as one of the stops on his current tour through Saxony and Thuringia. After being welcomed by Jenoptik President & CEO Stefan Traeger and a brief tour of the product exhibition, the Minister met with trainees and employees in the Jenoptik staff restaurant for a relaxed discussion. The occasion was the Skilled Workers Days East Germany.

There was a lively exchange with the trainees about the value of technical/trade training (also compared to studying, for example), problems and prospects for public transport connections in Thuringia and prospects for foreign trainees after completing their training. Robert Habeck was interested in the motivation for taking up an apprenticeship at Jenoptik and also asked about the mood among young people with regard to the current political situation.

After the dialog and a discussion with Jenoptik CEO Stefan Traeger, Jenoptik employees had their say. Topics included the still differing wage levels in East and West Germany, the shortage of skilled workers and challenges in exports. When asked about the German government's initiatives to tackle the current geopolitical challenges, Robert Habeck emphasized what he sees as a fundamental change and the task of initially tackling all consensual measures quickly.

After an official statement for media representatives, the next appointment was at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Erfurt and at the confectionery manufacturer Viba Sweets in Schmalkalden, which, like Jenoptik, is currently particularly committed to promoting openness and tolerance.

Images are available in the Jenoptik image database in the Press Release gallery.