If you’re not quite sure where the journey is taking you

How two apprentices at Mercer Rosenthal found their path – and became among the best in their class

For many young people, the end of school brings one big question: What comes next?

Should it be university or an apprenticeship? A technical career, something creative, or something completely different? And perhaps the biggest question of all: Am I making the right decision?

Starting an apprenticeship often means stepping into an entirely new world – new people, new responsibilities and a completely different environment from school. Many young people wonder whether they will fit in, keep up, and have chosen the right path.

These were exactly the questions Nils Koburger and Florian Krauß once faced themselves. A few years later, they look back on their training at Mercer Rosenthal and on a remarkable achievement.

At the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) awards ceremony for the best apprentices in Thuringia, held in Gera, both were honoured for their outstanding exam results. Nils Koburger was named best paper technologist in the state, while Florian Krauß received the title of best electronics technician for industrial engineering in Thuringia.

For Nils, the recognition did not stop there. On December 2, 2025, he was also awarded the Heinrich-August-Schoeller Prize by the German Pulp and Paper Association (DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE) in Gernsbach, ranking him third among all paper technologist graduates in Germany.

Two impressive achievements and a story that started exactly where many young people find themselves today: at the beginning of a path that still holds many unknowns.

The first step into a new world

The first day at a company is something many apprentices remember for a long time. Everything is new: the workplace, the processes and the people you will work with every day.

Nils Koburger still clearly recalls his first day at Mercer Rosenthal.

“On my first day, the new apprentices were welcomed by our trainers, the HR department, and the management team. I was surprised by how much effort they put into making us feel welcome – there was coffee, snacks, and, most importantly, time to get to know each other.”

It was a start that immediately created a sense of belonging.

For Florian Krauß, it was the sheer scale of the site that left the biggest impression.

“I was amazed by the size and complexity of the mill. I remember wondering whether I would ever be able to remember where everything was and how to get around when solving technical problems.”

His fascination with the site actually goes back even further.

“Even as a child, I found it incredible to drive past the mill at night when everything was illuminated. The huge wood piles and the tall stack of the plant always impressed me.”

Learning in the heart of production

During their apprenticeship, trainees at Mercer Rosenthal rotate through different departments and gradually learn how the pulp production process works.

At first, the scale and complexity of the equipment can feel overwhelming.

“In the beginning, I was quite overwhelmed by how complex the systems are – but that’s exactly what fascinated me,” says Nils Koburger.

A central part of the training for paper technologists is the fibre line, the part of the mill where wood is processed into pulp fibres.

Florian Krauß gained his own hands-on experience in the technical side of the plant. One task in particular stayed with him.

“It was really interesting to see how a frequency converter – which controls the speed of electric motors – is configured and connected to the plant’s control system. You realise how many steps are involved to make sure everything works perfectly.”

Moments like these show how closely theory and practical work are connected during the apprenticeship.

The moment you realise you can do it

At some point during training, many apprentices experience a turning point – the moment they realise how much they have learned.

For Nils Koburger, that moment came when he was asked to guide new apprentices through the plant.

“The moment came when I gave new apprentices a tour of the facilities and explained our production process to them.”

Suddenly, he was the one explaining systems that had once seemed unfamiliar and complex.

Florian Krauß experienced similar moments.

“Fortunately, there were several moments like that. Sometimes shortly afterwards you realise there’s still a lot to learn – but there are always colleagues who are ready to help.”

A team effort

Their success did not happen in isolation. Throughout their training, both apprentices were supported by trainers and experienced colleagues.

Nils Koburger especially remembers the support of his trainer and later his shift supervisor.

“With him, I was able to work on equal footing from the start.”

Florian Krauß also highlights the role of his trainer.

“He was always there with advice and support – and helped me get back on track whenever something didn’t go as planned.”

Both were also surprised by the atmosphere at the mill.

“What really surprised me was how friendly and familiar the atmosphere is in the different departments.”

Consistency pays off

Becoming one of the best graduates in the state does not happen overnight. For both apprentices, the key was staying engaged throughout the entire training period.

“If you stay interested and involved in the lessons from the beginning, you build the knowledge you need for the final exams,” says Nils Koburger.

Florian Krauß agrees.

“The most important thing is not to lose track over the years and keep learning a little bit all the time.”

Recognition for Mercer Rosenthal as a training company

The awards ceremony in Gera honoured not only the graduates but also Mercer Rosenthal itself.

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce recognised the company for its special commitment to vocational training and its role in developing top-performing apprentices in the professions of paper technologist and electronics technician for industrial engineering.

An achievement made possible by the dedication of many trainers and colleagues who support young professionals every day.

Looking ahead

After completing their apprenticeship, both remain connected to Mercer Rosenthal.

Nils Koburger has started a university degree and continues to work at the company as a working student.

“My goal is to return to Mercer after finishing my studies.”

Florian Krauß plans to deepen his technical expertise.

“I would like to specialise more in PLC systems as well as video and telecommunications technology.”

Advice for those about to start their journey

For young people who are currently deciding on their future, both have a simple piece of advice.

“Many people can’t really imagine what everyday work in a pulp mill looks like. I’d recommend asking for a tour of the site during the interview,” says Nils Koburger.

Florian Krauß adds: “Stay curious and show initiative – that’s something people really appreciate here.”