IMA International trains joiners (m/f/d) at its site in Aßlar, near Wetzlar. Five apprentices are currently in training at the company; their apprenticeships started between September 2023 and August 2026. From the first week, they work on live projects in trade fair construction, shopfitting and display construction, including work for companies such as Buderus, Leica and Rittal. The master craftsman and training manager is Maximilian Eckhardt. The apprenticeship takes three years and follows the German dual system: practical training at the workshop in Aßlar and classroom teaching at the Werner-von-Siemens-Schule in Wetzlar. The five apprentices name four main reasons for their choice: the modern machinery, the variety that comes with changing projects, the team and the long-term prospects.
Contents
Five apprentices, four intakes
Lenny and Paul joined the team on 3 August 2026. Welcome, Lenny and Paul. That brings the current number of apprentices at IMA in Aßlar to five, spread across four intakes. Anyone starting out here meets colleagues who are one, two or three years further along and still remember exactly what the first day feels like.
| Name | Start of apprenticeship |
|---|---|
| Lenny | 3 August 2026 |
| Paul | 3 August 2026 |
| Bing | 1 August 2025 |
| Finn | 1 August 2024 |
| Joshua | 1 September 2023 |
Why IMA? The apprentices answer
We asked all five to write down themselves why they chose this trade and why they chose IMA. By hand, with no brief. Here is what they wrote.
“I chose this company because I find joinery interesting and because a company of this size let me get to know many different areas. And I particularly like working in a team.”
Joshua, apprentice since September 2023
“I chose IMA International GmbH because I am especially interested in trade fair construction. What appealed to me most is that I work in the joinery and can put my practical skills to use and develop them every day. The variety of the projects and the chance to learn different kinds of woodworking make the apprenticeship particularly interesting for me. I also value working as part of a team and the opportunity to gain a lot of hands-on experience.”
Finn, apprentice since August 2024
“I have been training as a joiner at IMA since 2025. I chose this company because we not only have extensive, modern machinery here, but also a friendly team. My colleagues are genuinely helpful; you always get support when you have a question. At the moment I get to work on very different tasks, and I am happy with the training I am receiving.”
Bing, apprentice since August 2025
“I chose IMA International because I can see opportunities here to develop and gain new experience. What I like most is getting out and about, because you travel to different trade fairs. I also like the opportunities to grow together as a team.”
Lenny, apprentice since August 2026
“I chose IMA International because the combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship really appeals to me. I am now learning at a company that is successful internationally and, with its wide range of work, promises an interesting and instructive apprenticeship. The company also offers good long-term prospects, and I am looking forward to developing my practical skills and learning a lot of new things.”
Paul, apprentice since August 2026
Modern machinery and traditional craftsmanship
Two of the five explicitly name the machines as a reason for their decision. That is no coincidence: the IMA joinery is equipped with CNC routers, edgebanders and professional joinery machinery. Apprentices work with wood, modern materials and high-quality surfaces, and follow the production process from planning through to manufacturing. Off-the-job training courses in machine and surface technology are part of the programme.
Paul describes exactly this mix as what appealed to him: modern technology on one side, traditional craftsmanship on the other.
Every project is different
Anyone training at IMA works on live projects for internationally known companies. From the first week onwards. IMA manufactures exhibition stands, shopfitting and displays for companies such as Buderus, Leica and Rittal. For the apprenticeship, that means no project is like the last one. Joshua gives the size of the company as a reason for his decision: it let him get to know many different areas. Finn highlights the variety of the projects, Bing the range of tasks she can work on.
Lenny connects that variety with something else: getting out of the workshop. At IMA, apprentices travel to stand installations and dismantling from their first year. They see the job not only in the workshop, but also where the work finally arrives: at the trade fair.
A team where questions are welcome
Four of the five statements mention the team, more often than any other point. Bing is the most specific: her colleagues are helpful, and you always get support when you have a question. Joshua simply says he particularly likes working in a team. Finn values the collaboration, Lenny the chance to grow together as a team.
In a company with several intakes, you do not only learn from the training manager. You also learn from each other. Anyone in their second year still remembers exactly what the first day felt like.
The apprentices are supported by experienced specialists. The master craftsman and training manager is Maximilian Eckhardt.
After the apprenticeship: career opportunities
IMA trains apprentices with the aim of taking them on permanently once they qualify. From there, the routes to master craftsman or technician are open. Paul was already convinced of this before his first day at work: “The company also offers good long-term prospects,” he writes in his statement.
That this is not an empty promise can be seen in the intakes: Joshua joined in September 2023 and is now in his third year of training. And Maximilian Eckhardt, who today supports the apprentices as master craftsman and training manager, completed his own apprenticeship at IMA. He has been with the company since 2019.
For IMA, training is about more than filling open positions. Guiding young people into a trade, giving them responsibility and opening up prospects is part of how a company rooted in the region for almost fifty years sees itself.
The Joiner's Craft: career paths and opportunities
Anyone who completes a joinery apprenticeship in Hesse has more options than many people expect. The industry is looking for qualified specialists: in the workshop, in project management, in installation and in planning. Joiners work in small craft businesses, in industry and in specialised companies such as trade fair construction.
After the final examination, several routes are open. Those who go straight into the job can take on responsibility and grow into a leadership role. Those who want to keep studying can qualify as a master craftsman or technician, which is the basis for running their own business or taking a management position. A degree in wood technology or interior architecture is also possible.
Practical skill, an understanding of materials and the ability to build things with your own hands remain in demand. At a time when so much is becoming digital and automated, that is worth a great deal.
Joiner apprenticeship at IMA: key facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Joiner (m/f/d) |
| Location | Aßlar, near Wetzlar |
| Start | Every August |
| Duration | 3 years (can be shortened to 2 to 2.5 years) |
| Vocational school | Werner-von-Siemens-Schule Wetzlar, responsible for joiners in the Lahn-Dill region |
| Entry requirement | At least a secondary school certificate |
| Areas of work | Trade fair construction, shopfitting, display construction |
| After qualifying | Very good chances of a permanent position, routes to master craftsman or technician |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which apprenticeship does IMA International offer?
IMA International trains joiners (m/f/d) at its site in Aßlar, near Wetzlar. Apprentices work in the in-house joinery and contribute to projects in trade fair construction, shopfitting and display construction.
How long does the joiner apprenticeship at IMA take?
The apprenticeship takes three years and can be shortened to 2 to 2.5 years. It follows the German dual system: practical training at the workshop in Aßlar and classroom teaching at the Werner-von-Siemens-Schule in Wetzlar, which is responsible for joiners in the Lahn-Dill region.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need at least a Realschule secondary school certificate. Practical interest, care and a willingness to work in a team are equally important.
When does the apprenticeship start and when can I apply?
The apprenticeship starts every August. Applications are welcome at any time, also outside fixed application deadlines.
What do apprentices at IMA work on?
From the first week, apprentices work on live projects in trade fair construction, shopfitting and display construction, including work for companies such as Buderus, Leica and Rittal. From their first year, they also travel to stand installations and dismantling.
What are the prospects after qualifying?
IMA trains apprentices with the aim of taking them on permanently. After the journeyman’s certificate, the routes to master craftsman or technician are open, as is a degree in wood technology or interior architecture.