Bridging the Gap: The RAMPF Technical Sales Trainee Program Enters Its Second Round
High-quality chemical and technical solutions have been a hallmark of RAMPF for decades. To ensure that our comprehensive portfolio of sophisticated products reaches customers in the best possible way, we rely on sales specialists who can do far more than sell – they must also dive deep into technical details and communicate on equal footing with the purchasing and development departments of our customers.
“Finding professionals who bring both technical expertise and sales competence has been one of our greatest challenges for years. Most talents are trained either in engineering or in sales – the combination of both is rare,” says Frank Fischer, Head of HR at RAMPF Holding and initiator of the trainee program.
To bridge exactly this gap, RAMPF has developed a unique Technical Sales trainee program in cooperation with the Knowledge Foundation @ Reutlingen University. The program has now entered its second round – and interest is growing significantly, both within the RAMPF Group and among external companies.
A Tailored Program for Technical Sales
The two-year trainee program supports chemical and technical specialists in developing into well-rounded Technical Sales experts. At its core is the combination of technical understanding and essential business knowledge.
Participants acquire not only the necessary business fundamentals but also the ability to communicate complex technical solutions clearly and convincingly. This exact profile is increasingly in demand – and still difficult to find in the market.
Strong Partnership: RAMPF × Knowledge Foundation @ Reutlingen University
Together with the Knowledge Foundation @ Reutlingen University, RAMPF has developed a customized learning concept. The trainees attend specially designed modules that equip experts in chemistry and engineering with targeted sales know-how.
The academic foundation is intentionally practice-oriented and provides exactly the skills required in chemical-technical sales – from market analyses to financial skills to professional customer communication.
Hands-On Learning Through Department Rotation
A key component of the program is rotation through various departments. Trainees gain insight into all areas closely connected to sales – including Technical Sales itself, internal customer service, supply chain management, R&D, and application engineering.
This creates a deep understanding of internal processes and cross-departmental knowledge that becomes indispensable later in sales. At the same time, trainees build a strong internal network and experience the RAMPF Group from diverse perspectives.
International Insights as a Special Learning Experience
The first trainee cohort already demonstrated how diverse the development opportunities can be: As part of his program, Marco P. spent two weeks at RAMPF in Nantong, China.
There, he gained direct insights into the Chinese market, accompanied customer visits, and experienced how direct, solution-oriented, and fast-paced technical sales can be. In one specific customer project, the team jointly analyzed an application within just a few hours – and presented a suitable solution the very next day.
The stay in China showed me how important quick solutions and clear communication are in international technical sales. At the same time, I learned to think more flexibly, recognize cultural differences more consciously, and redefine communication. I returned with an open mindset, new ideas, and a stronger sense of confidence. The trainee program at RAMPF not only opens professional doors but also broadens your horizons – both technically and personally.
— Marco P., Graduate of the first Technical Sales Trainee cohort at RAMPF
The United States also played a role in the international exposure of the first year. Another trainee spent several weeks at our site in Wixom, Michigan, gaining valuable insights into daily operations, meeting colleagues, and experiencing a new cultural environment. International stays are also planned for the current second cohort. Where exactly they will go depends on projects and opportunities – one thing is certain: it won’t be boring.
Second Round: More Participants, Growing Demand
The current cohort began in October and consists of four trainees: three at RAMPF Advanced Polymers and one at RAMPF Production Systems. Strong interest is also reflected in the fact that, for the first time, additional regional companies have joined what was previously an exclusive RAMPF program – a clear signal of the growing importance of hybrid expertise in technical sales.
Certified Expertise as a Career Foundation
Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate from Reutlingen University confirming their dual qualification. This provides graduates with a strong foundation for entering demanding sales roles – at RAMPF or across the wider industry.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Chemical-Technical Sales
With the Technical Sales trainee program, RAMPF is responding to one of the key challenges facing the industry: finding professionals who understand chemistry or engineering and are also strong in sales.
The success of the program and the start of the second cohort show how valuable this approach is. It empowers talent, supports companies, and strengthens the region.
RAMPF is proud to help train the next generation of Technical Sales experts – practical, innovative, and future-oriented.