AGRU sends robotics state champions to the USA

The apprentices Pascal Schmid and Kilian Ahrer won the first robotics system integration competition in Wels with outstanding performance, earning the state championship title. With their precise programming skills, the prospective process technicians at AGRU Kunststofftechnik not only qualified for the national championship in November in Salzburg – as a special recognition they will also take part in a professional exchange at production sites in the USA this August.

In the E-Fitting department there is a distinct smell of warm plastic. Between machines that mould fittings with millimetre precision for connecting pipes, two apprentices are at work: Pascal Schmid and Kilian Ahrer. Both are third-year process technician apprentices, demonstrating how to shape the future: setting up equipment, inspecting, programming, and thinking ahead. They achieve top grades at vocational school. Pascal is attending the KTLA – a unique combination in Austria of apprenticeship training and a higher technical qualification (HTL diploma).

State championship title proves training quality

In May 2025 the two AGRU apprentices took part in the first regional robotics system integration competition in Wels. Both were clearly in their element: programming robots, optimising processes, and troubleshooting under time pressure. The duo worked calmly, precisely and without errors, securing the state championship title, which qualifies them for the national championship in November in Salzburg.
“For us, this is more than just an award. It is proof that training at AGRU is among the very best in all of Upper Austria,” says training supervisor Michael Binder with pride.

USA instead of a holiday

The next chapter is already planned: in August Pascal and Kilian will travel to the USA. Not for a holiday, but as recognition for their achievements at school and within the company. Their programme includes visits to production sites, experiencing automation first-hand, and exchanging knowledge with experts in robotics and process technology. It is a valuable opportunity to broaden their horizons – and open doors for the future.

AGRU – a family business with a hands-on approach

AGRU is a family-owned company based in Bad Hall and is one of the leading full-range suppliers of piping systems, semi-finished products, concrete protective liners and geomembranes made from engineering plastics. The company employs around 1,300 people worldwide. An apprenticeship at AGRU requires technical understanding, precision and a sense of responsibility. Training in one of the most advanced apprenticeship workshops in Upper Austria makes all the difference. Thanks to global projects and locations, a career at AGRU remains exciting and varied even after completing training.