Learning by doing
Developing their own sustainability project, making decisions, and taking on responsibility — that’s what apprentices and DHBW students do at the Eberspächer Junior Company.
29 July 2026 – Hydrogen is considered one of the most promising energy sources of the future. The current team at Eberspächer’s Junior Company explored this topic and put their ideas directly into practice. The result is a hybrid model truck with a fuel cell — a further development of the concept from 2024. The journey to get there was at least as valuable as the final result. That’s because the Junior Company offers apprentices and DHBW students at Eberspächer the opportunity to independently design a project for one year. In the process, they take on tasks that will be relevant later in their professional lives: defining goals, keeping an eye on budgets, coordinating work packages, and making decisions.
FROM A MODEL CAR TO A MODEL TRUCK
It quickly became clear to this year’s team that the hydrogen-powered model car from the 2024 project year should serve as the basis. The goal was quickly established: to further develop the car model into a truck model. Step by step, initial ideas evolved into a concrete concept that combined technical expertise with creative project management. But that wasn’t all — versatile presentation concepts for the vehicle also needed to be developed for use at events or during client meetings.
GROWING THROUGH CHALLENGES
The implementation presented the participants with a variety of challenges. In addition to procuring and adapting individual components, they had to define technical requirements, consider safety aspects, and evaluate various solution approaches. It was precisely this diversity that made the project so exciting. Different professional backgrounds complemented one another and made it possible to solve tasks collaboratively. Where knowledge was lacking, it was acquired independently. This resulted not only in technical solutions but also in new skills in other areas: Without further ado, the project team decided to produce a promotional video showcasing the product diversity of Purem by Eberspächer using the new model truck.
POSITIVE CONCLUSION
For Stefanie Melzer, Head of Vocational Education, this is where the program’s special value lies: “The participants bring new perspectives to the table and challenge existing ways of thinking. At the same time, they gain insights into business contexts that go far beyond traditional training. It’s wonderful to see how individual people become a well-coordinated team over the course of their collaboration.” Project leaders Max Johst, Elyssa Heim, and Luis Haußmann also draw a positive conclusion: “The opportunity to drive a topic forward independently and take responsibility for the results broadens their perspective on business processes in a lasting way. At the same time, it becomes clear how important clear priorities, good coordination, and initiative are for the project’s success,” summarizes Elyssa Heim.
The finished model vehicle remains a visible outcome of the project even after the Junior Company program has ended. It demonstrates how hands-on learning helps young people take on responsibility, develop their skills, and work together to implement innovative ideas. At the same time, the model brings modern vehicle technologies to life: It offers interested parties – especially young people – as well as customers a vivid insight into the expertise and solutions of Purem by Eberspächer. This allows them to experience firsthand how forward-looking mobility concepts are developed and become a reality in practice.