ZVO 2.0 Launches the #AzubiChallenge2026 — Talents in Surface Technology

For the #AzubiChallenge, vocational trainees from ZVO member companies are producing a reel—no longer than 90 seconds and in portrait orientation—in which they present their trade and provide realistic insights into their day-to-day work. In doing so, they use the language and stylistic elements that would have appealed to them as students looking for an apprenticeship. No budget may be spent on professional support, such as from agencies. The apprentices are expected to come up with their own ideas. The reels are submitted to the ZVO and published on the ZVO’s Instagram channel. A jury will select three winners from among all participants, who will receive prize money. First place receives 1,000 euros, second place receives 750 euros, and third place receives 500 euros.

ZVO #AzubiChallenge Delivers Social Media Promotion

For participating companies, the #AzubiChallenge offers advertising and employer branding with the help of the apprentices. You give the apprentices the opportunity to shoot a video—by apprentices, for future apprentices. In return, you receive free social media advertising. Ideally, the videos will help you receive many qualified applications for your 2027 apprenticeship positions. The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2026; entries should be sent to azubichallenge@zvo.org. Only apprentices from member companies of the Zentralverband Oberflächentechnik e.V. (ZVO) are eligible to participate. The videos will be evaluated by a ZVO jury.