AT&S Fuels Future Innovation with 'Young Wilds' Program

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Today’s ideas are tomorrow’s innovations: Following a successful debut in the financial year 2024/25, the “Young Wilds” program offers ambitious young professionals at AT&S the opportunity to take on responsibility and accelerate their personal and professional growth. Through individual mentoring, customized training, and international collaboration, the “Young Wilds” program fosters practical skills and long-term development.

Personal growth takes center stage: The program covers communication styles, career planning, and personal branding, alongside project management, innovation methods, and time management. Over the course of the one-year program, the Young Wilds work with their mentors to identify their individual strengths and areas for development, working purposefully to unlock their full potential. “The program is a living example of a strong development culture – I’ve never seen anything like this before joining AT&S,” says Michael Mertin, President & CEO of AT&S.

The program connects all AT&S locations worldwide. Virtual team-building events and international project groups strengthen team spirit across geographical boundaries. Participants from different departments gain deep insights into global business processes, benefit from the knowledge of experienced managers, and apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice.

Close collaboration with the AT&S Executive Board

This year, the Executive Board once again personally selected the twelve participants. “The applications clearly show that these young talents are ready to take responsibility and play an active role in shaping our company’s future. This level of commitment deserves recognition and brings valuable energy to our organization,” says Mertin.

Program Manager Sonja Polt: “Once again, we’re amazed by the diversity and quality of the applications for the Young Wilds program. Applying takes courage, self-reflection, and a real drive to grow. And this commitment is rewarded – last year’s Young Wilds were amazed by the time and attention they received from the Executive Board and senior leadership.”

“Young Wilds” is more than a traditional development program – it is a launch pad for personal growth, professional development, and global networking. The combination of individual support, international exchange, and practical project work creates lasting value for everyone involved and strengthens AT&S’s innovation power for the long term.