Great appreciation and a moving farewell: Graepel bids farewell to apprenticeship trainer Andreas Behrens after 46 years

Farewell with much gratitude: After 46 years at Graepel, Andreas Behrens is retiring and was bid farewell by many of his former apprentices. He had his last official working day in December 2024, closing a chapter that had a lasting impact on both the company and many young people.

Andreas Behrens began his career at Graepel in 1978 with an apprenticeship as a toolmaker, which he completed in June 1981. After holding several positions in different areas of Graepel, he took on the role of substitute trainer in 1988 and was responsible for training technical apprentices from 1993. He carried out this task until his departure with tireless commitment, comprehensive specialist knowledge and his always inspiring sense of humor. Behrens trained a total of 183 apprentices during his career. Around 80 of them came to his farewell party to thank him personally.

In addition to his work at Graepel, Andreas Behrens also left his mark on the industry beyond the company's borders: as a long-standing member of the examination board for toolmakers and industrial mechanics as well as in apprentice trainer working groups, he was a recognized voice in the professional world. His appointment by the Stuttgart Chamber of Industry and Commerce is particularly worth mentioning: there he represented the employers in the “Tool Mechanics” working group of the examination task and teaching material development office.

Felix Graepel, who together with his brother Carlo Graepel is a member of the Board of Directors of Friedrich Graepel AG, acknowledged Behrens' commitment with great gratitude: “Andreas Behrens has not only shaped generations of apprentices, but has also sustainably strengthened our company through his expertise and passion for training. We would like to thank him from the bottom of our hearts for his extraordinary commitment and wish him all the best for this new chapter in his life.”

With his departure, Andreas Behrens leaves behind an impressive legacy in the apprenticeship landscape and will be fondly remembered at Graepel.

Photo:

He trained 183 young people at Graepel, around 80 came to his farewell: Andreas Behrens with his grandchildren and Managing Directors Felix and Carlo Graepel (right). 

©Graepel