Altenburg, 23 September 2026
Since August, four new apprentices have joined our team at AWA. They are completing their training with us as cutting machine operators (all genders) specialising in turning and milling technology. With a total of eleven apprentices among 200 employees, our apprenticeship rate now stands at 5.5 per cent, underlining our deliberate commitment to developing our own future workforce. This puts us above the nationwide apprenticeship rate of 4.6 per cent in 2024, as published by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. While this rate is declining significantly across Germany, we are bucking the trend. To give vocational training even greater importance, we established our own training workshop on 1 April 2026. “Training our own skilled employees is an important element in securing the workforce we will need in the future,” says Dr Volker Simon, Plant Manager at AWA. “That is why we invest specifically in high-quality training and provide our young talents with intensive support from day one.”
At the beginning of their training, our new apprentices spend time in every area of our company. This allows them to become familiar with our entire process chain and develop a comprehensive understanding of our operations at an early stage. The long-term retention of our young talent demonstrates the success of this approach: many former apprentices have remained with us after completing their training and now contribute to our success as qualified specialists. We train specifically to meet our own staffing needs and offer apprentices who complete their training successfully and perform well long-term career prospects within our company.
We are also planning to offer four apprenticeship positions in cutting machine operation for the 2027 training year. Applications can still be submitted by email to »diana.schubert@awa-armaturenwerk.de«.
Altenburg, June 2, 2026
As of June 1, 2026, we have strategically expanded our portfolio to include components for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, while simultaneously strengthening our wholesale distribution. This enables us to respond to increasing market demands and reinforces our position as a reliable partner for high-quality line components.
The expanded product range includes ball valves, solenoid valves, expansion valves, filter driers and sight glasses. These additions open up further application possibilities in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology, while complementing our existing portfolio in a targeted manner.
At the same time, we are intensifying our cooperation with wholesale partners in order to further improve product availability. The portfolio expansion underlines our commitment to providing innovative solutions for energy-efficient and future-proof applications in refrigeration and air conditioning technology. In parallel, we are entering new international markets and continuously developing our sales structure in a dynamic environment.
From June 10 to 11, 2026, the Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference (IRN) will take place at the SCHAUFLER Academy. The conference focuses on energy-efficient solutions with natural refrigerants in industrial refrigeration technology. For more information please click here:
»Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference (IRN) 2026«
The IRN provides a platform for thought leaders in industrial refrigeration technology in Europe. Participants include manufacturers, system builders, planners, end users, and scientists. Industry associations such as Eurammon and IIAR are also involved to promote the use of natural refrigerants.
AWA will present its latest valves and multi unit armatures for industrial refrigeration technology at IRN 2026. Take the opportunity to exchange ideas on the latest trends and challenges and actively shape the future of industrial refrigeration. For more information on AWA's extensive product range for modern refrigeration technology, please visit our »product overview«.
Armaturenwerk Altenburg (AWA) has been a leading refrigeration valve manufacturer for almost 140 years and is a partner with both global compressor manufacturers and HVAC mechanical contractors. We have always been committed to training and educating our employees and customers.
In close cooperation with pedagogues and experts in refrigeration and air conditioning technology, we have now developed an educational poster that provides visual explanations of the mechanical construction and function of valves.
In addition, the poster offers typical application and operating information.
On the occasion of the Opening Day at the BSZ Vogtland, we presented this poster to the general public for the first time.
We would be pleased to support your commitment to training and apprenticeship with our poster of the AWA valve cutaway. Please contact support@awa-armaturenwerk.de.