Trainee branches are an integral part of modern training programmes at many Savings Banks in Germany. They offer the opportunity to learn in a real-world working environment, where trainees take on responsibility at an early stage and work independently in customer-facing roles. The example of Sparkasse Leipzig, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026, illustrates how this model can work and why it offers added value for both young talent and customers.
When customers enter Sparkasse Leipzig’s Hainstraße Financial Centre, they are met at first glance by the familiar sight of a modern Savings Bank branch. On closer inspection, however, one thing stands out: it is mainly young people who are providing advice here. Welcome to the trainee branch!
Responsibility right from the start
Following a successful pilot phase in 2023, the trainee branch was established as a permanent training base at the start of 2024. The idea behind it is as simple as it is effective: trainees should not only acquire their knowledge in theory, but also apply it through direct contact with customers as early as possible. What makes this special is that the concept was co-developed by the trainees themselves during a workshop. Today, the branch is an integral part of the training programme. Around 30 trainees in their first or second year of training spend up to nine weeks there each year, taking on different roles depending on their stage of training: from organising consultation appointments and carrying out service tasks to providing independent customer advice and even acting as temporary branch managers.
This turns the branch into a genuine learning environment within day-to-day operations. The trainees work with a regular client base, plan workflows as a team and organise internal processes independently. At the same time, they are systematically prepared for their future roles, such as private client advisers. “Today’s trainees are our specialists and managers of tomorrow. “We invest specifically in their training, and the trainee branch serves as a kind of learning laboratory for us,” explains Sandra Glimm, Head of Training and Personnel Development at Sparkasse Leipzig. “Here, the trainees can take on responsibility, make decisions and experience first-hand what their actions mean for customers.”
Quality is ensured at all times. Behind the scenes, experienced customer advisers support the trainees’ work, provide feedback and step in to help when necessary. This creates a learning environment that encourages personal responsibility whilst offering a sense of security.
Mick Jungmann,
Member of the trainee branch team in 2023
»We were able to help shape things right from the start and put our skills to the test in a real-world setting.«
The trainee branch was one of the most exciting stages of my training – particularly because I was involved right from the pilot phase. Back then, a lot of things were still new, and we had to work out together how processes worked and how to organise the branch. This set-up phase and the joint development of structures were what made it so appealing to me. What’s more, you get to work independently from an early stage and conduct advisory meetings without a direct ‘supervisor’ looking over your shoulder. Being able to try things out freely in real customer interactions really helped me to gain confidence quickly.
What I liked most was the independence. Together with the other trainees, we were able to contribute our own ideas and think about how to shape the branch. The feedback from young customers was also very positive. Talking on an equal footing and quickly finding common ground made a lot of things easier. I think it’s great that the trainee branch is now an integral part of the training programme.
Brief profile of Sparkasse Leipzig
With total assets of around EUR 12.1 billion and over 570,000 private and business customers, Stadt- und Kreissparkasse Leipzig is the leading financial services provider in the city and the districts of Northern Saxony and Leipzig. Founded in 1826, it celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026 with the motto ‘Strong together for tomorrow’ and is now one of the largest Savings Banks in Germany. The financial institution employs more than 1,400 staff and operates over 65 financial and advisory centres across its catchment area, including a trainee branch.
200 years of Sparkasse Leipzig: Strong together for tomorrow.
Learning through teamwork
Another key element of the concept is the structured transfer of knowledge between generations of trainees within the branch. Each new group is introduced by the previous one during an opening workshop. Together with trainers and experienced advisers, processes, customer structures and best practices are passed on. Regular feedback sessions highlight successes. This creates a continuous learning process that preserves experience and further develops the quality of the training.
At the heart of the trainee branch is advice given by peers. The service is deliberately aimed at young customers, who meet people of their own age here. Conversations are often more open and direct – a particular advantage when it comes to making their first financial decisions. The positive feedback confirms the success of the concept. Many customers find the advice particularly accessible and personal. As well as traditional financial topics, they also receive support with everyday issues: from moving into their first flat and transport to practical tips on living in Leipzig and the surrounding region.
“We’re finding that young customers are responding very positively to this initiative,” says Silvia Zetzsche, a trainer at Sparkasse Leipzig. “Receiving advice from peers builds trust and makes it easier to get to grips with financial matters.”
Marie Ermisch,
Member of the trainee branch team in 2025
»At the trainee branch, you learn to find solutions independently and grow from the experience.«
For me, the trainee branch was an important experience because you really get a feel for what a day in the life of an adviser is like. What made a particular impression on me was having to resolve many situations on my own. This independent problem-solving and personal development are what helped me progress the most.
This was also evident in my day-to-day work. Greater courage, self-confidence and a confident manner helped me to lead discussions proactively and develop my own advisory style. The role of project manager gave me the opportunity to acquire skills such as planning, structuring and organising projects. Working as part of a team was also important. Close cooperation and learning together strengthened our team spirit. Overall, my time at the trainee branch helped me develop both professionally and personally.
Practical training strengthens loyalty
For Sparkasse Leipzig, which will have almost 110 young people in training by 2025, this approach also pays off in the long term. Taking on responsibility at an early stage and gaining first-hand experience of advisory situations strengthen employees’ sense of identification with the company. This has a noticeable effect on staff retention: the retention rate currently stands at 88 percent. The trainee branch contributes to this by combining practical training with personal development and highlighting career prospects within Sparkasse Leipzig.
Its anniversary year of 2026 in particular highlights how Sparkasse Leipzig brings tradition and the future together: with a clear focus on supporting young people and with initiatives such as the trainee branch, which not only teaches responsibility but also brings it to life.
Christoph Schulz,
Member of the trainee branch team in 2023
»We didn’t just help out, we actively helped to develop the concept.«
I was part of the pilot phase of the trainee branch and am proud to have contributed to its successful implementation. A lot hadn’t been finalised, and we had to develop solutions together. This opportunity to help shape things and keep an eye on the bigger picture had a particularly big impact on me.
It was also exciting for me to champion the concept within the company. I gave presentations to branch managers and introduced the idea of the trainee branch – a wonderful experience. The concept was also well received by customers. Some came specifically because of the trainee branch, and I’m still in touch with a few of them today. I now work as a training officer and get to see the next generations going through this programme. This really brings home to me the lasting impact of this concept.
Brief profile of Sparkasse Leipzig Trainee Branch
Following a successful pilot phase, Sparkasse Leipzig’s trainee branch has been a permanent training base for the company’s trainee bankers since 2024. Designed to operate all year round, the branch team typically comprises three trainees each from the first and second years of their training. This makes Sparkasse Leipzig the first and, to date, only institution in Saxony to run such a branch on a permanent basis. The on-site trainee team, supported behind the scenes by an experienced customer adviser, places particular emphasis on advising their peers. However, older customers can also expect the usual range of services.
www.sparkasse-leipzig.de/de/home/privatkunden/junge-kunden/azubi-filiale.html