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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
In changing times, young Germans gun for defence sector jobs
For the first time in 2025, German arms manufacturers were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. PHOTO: REUTERS KARLSRUHE, Germany - In a country with strong pacifist traditions due to its dark World War II history, German student Mika Scheid had never considered working in the arms industry – until Russia invaded Ukraine. That was a 'personal turning point', said the 25-year-old studying at the prominent Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who was spurred into becoming an armed forces reservist and now wants to work for a military equipment manufacturer. 'People are beginning to understand that the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) is now clearly focused on defending the country' and Nato, said the engineering student during a job fair organised by the institute in western Germany. He was among young Germans at the event expressing interest in the defence sector, a sharp break from the past amid growing hostility from Russia as well as concerns about US security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump. For the first time ever in 2025, German arms manufacturers – which are some of the world's biggest but had in the past kept a relatively low profile – were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. There were some signs of unease, with Germany's biggest weapons maker Rheinmetall pulling out after a handful of students voiced anger at the presence of arms manufacturers. Still, there is a sense the long-running stigma surrounding the sector has eased since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. And the opportunities in the industry may be welcome at a time that Germany's economy is mired in a downturn. The European defence sector employs about 600,000 people and is expected to grow strongly, including in Germany where new Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to greatly ramp up military spending. Shifting attitudes 'The political discourse we have had since 2022 has led Germans to change their way of seeing things,' said Ms Eva Brueckner, a consultant from the headhunting firm Heinrich and Coll, which helps defence companies find staff. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, candidates have expressed fewer ethical and moral concerns about defence sector jobs, she said. Another student at the fair, Mr Nico Haenelt, was enquiring about an internship at the stand of industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's submarine-making unit. While the 19-year-old says his parents had quite a pacifist worldview, recent geopolitical upheavals have shaped his own outlook. 'If the world were more peaceful, I would probably also look in other areas,' said Mr Haenelt, who studies mechatronics, which mixes elements of engineering and computer science. To attract talent, defence companies are offering perks ranging from paying for relocation costs to gym memberships, according to accounts given to AFP. Diehl, whose products include ammunition and missiles, even offers scholarships to young people to fund their studies in the hope they will subsequently apply for jobs with the company. 'Conservative' sector With the German economy struggling, some hope the improving fortunes of the defence sector could provide a boost. There are already signs that arms makers might throw a lifeline to some troubled companies. Rheinmetall, whose profits have soared since the start of the Ukraine war, in 2024 struck a deal to hire workers from Continental as the ailing auto supplier cuts thousands of jobs. Still, beyond the traditional reluctance of young Germans to work in the defence sector due to the country's past, there are other challenges in recruiting for the industry. 'The sector is very conservative, and people who don't come from this background may have difficulty integrating,' said the headhunter, Ms Brueckner. And not all the students at the job fair were rushing to find jobs in the arms industry. Mr Niklas, a computer science student who only gave his first name, said his priority was to find a job with 'meaning', such as in the fields of health or sustainable development. As for the arms industry? 'Never', he insisted. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
France 24
3 days ago
- Business
- France 24
In changing times, young Germans gun for defence sector jobs
That was a "personal turning point," said the 25-year-old studying at the prominent Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who was spurred into becoming an armed forces reservist and now wants to work for a military equipment manufacturer. "People are beginning to understand that the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) is now clearly focused on defending the country" and NATO, said the engineering student during a job fair organised by the institute in western Germany. He was among young Germans at the event expressing interest in the defence sector, a sharp break from the past amid growing hostility from Russia as well as concerns about US security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump. For the first time ever this year, German arms manufacturers -- which are some of the world's biggest but had in the past kept a relatively low profile -- were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. There were some signs of unease, with Germany's biggest weapons maker Rheinmetall pulling out after a handful of students voiced anger at the presence of arms manufacturers. Still, there is a sense the long-running stigma surrounding the sector has eased since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. And the opportunities in the industry may be welcome at a time that Germany's economy is mired in a downturn. The European defence sector employs about 600,000 people and is expected to grow strongly, including in Germany where new Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to greatly ramp up military spending. Shifting attitudes "The political discourse we have had since 2022 has led Germans to change their way of seeing things," said Eva Brueckner, a consultant from the headhunting firm Heinrich and Coll, which helps defence companies find staff. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, candidates have expressed fewer ethical and moral concerns about defence sector jobs, she said. Another student at the fair, Nico Haenelt, was enquiring about an internship at the stand of industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's submarine-making unit. While the 19-year-old says his parents had quite a pacifist worldview, recent geopolitical upheavals have shaped his own outlook. "If the world were more peaceful, I would probably also look in other areas," said Haenelt, who studies mechatronics, which mixes elements of engineering and computer science. To attract talent, defence companies are offering perks ranging from paying for relocation costs to gym memberships, according to accounts given to AFP. Diehl, whose products include ammunition and missiles, even offers scholarships to young people to fund their studies in the hope they will subsequently apply for jobs with the company. 'Conservative' sector With the German economy struggling, some hope the improving fortunes of the defence sector could provide a boost. There are already signs that arms makers might throw a lifeline to some troubled companies. Rheinmetall, whose profits have soared since the start of the Ukraine war, last year struck a deal to hire workers from Continental as the ailing auto supplier cuts thousands of jobs. Still, beyond the traditional reluctance of young Germans to work in the defence sector due to the country's past, there are other challenges in recruiting for the industry. "The sector is very conservative, and people who don't come from this background may have difficulty integrating," said the headhunter, Brueckner. And not all the students at the job fair were rushing to find jobs in the arms industry. Niklas, a computer science student who only gave his first name, said his priority was to find a job with "meaning", such as in the fields of health or sustainable development. As for the arms industry? "Never", he insisted. © 2025 AFP
Local Germany
3 days ago
- Business
- Local Germany
In changing times, young Germans gun for defence sector jobs
That was a "personal turning point," said the 25-year-old studying at the prominent Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who was spurred into becoming an armed forces reservist and now wants to work for a military equipment manufacturer. "People are beginning to understand that the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) is now clearly focused on defending the country" and NATO, said the engineering student during a job fair organised by the institute in western Germany. He was among young Germans at the event expressing interest in the defence sector, a sharp break from the past amid growing hostility from Russia as well as concerns about US security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump. For the first time ever this year, German arms manufacturers -- which are some of the world's biggest but had in the past kept a relatively low profile -- were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. There were some signs of unease, with Germany's biggest weapons maker Rheinmetall pulling out after a handful of students voiced anger at the presence of arms manufacturers. Still, there is a sense the long-running stigma surrounding the sector has eased since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. And the opportunities in the industry may be welcome at a time that Germany's economy is mired in a downturn. The European defence sector employs about 600,000 people and is expected to grow strongly, including in Germany where new Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to greatly ramp up military spending. Advertisement Shifting attitudes "The political discourse we have had since 2022 has led Germans to change their way of seeing things," said Eva Brueckner, a consultant from the headhunting firm Heinrich and Coll, which helps defence companies find staff. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, candidates have expressed fewer ethical and moral concerns about defence sector jobs, she said. Another student at the fair, Nico Haenelt, was enquiring about an internship at the stand of industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's submarine-making unit. While the 19-year-old says his parents had quite a pacifist worldview, recent geopolitical upheavals have shaped his own outlook. "If the world were more peaceful, I would probably also look in other areas," said Haenelt, who studies mechatronics, which mixes elements of engineering and computer science. To attract talent, defence companies are offering perks ranging from paying for relocation costs to gym memberships, according to accounts given to AFP. Diehl, whose products include ammunition and missiles, even offers scholarships to young people to fund their studies in the hope they will subsequently apply for jobs with the company. Advertisement 'Conservative' sector With the German economy struggling, some hope the improving fortunes of the defence sector could provide a boost. There are already signs that arms makers might throw a lifeline to some troubled companies. Rheinmetall, whose profits have soared since the start of the Ukraine war, last year struck a deal to hire workers from Continental as the ailing auto supplier cuts thousands of jobs. Still, beyond the traditional reluctance of young Germans to work in the defence sector due to the country's past, there are other challenges in recruiting for the industry. "The sector is very conservative, and people who don't come from this background may have difficulty integrating," said the headhunter, Brueckner. And not all the students at the job fair were rushing to find jobs in the arms industry. Niklas, a computer science student who only gave his first name, said his priority was to find a job with "meaning", such as in the fields of health or sustainable development. As for the arms industry? "Never", he insisted.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
In changing times, young Germans gun for defence sector jobs
In a country with strong pacifist traditions due to its dark World War II history, German student Mika Scheid had never considered working in the arms industry until Russia invaded Ukraine. That was a "personal turning point," said the 25-year-old studying at the prominent Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who was spurred into becoming an armed forces reservist and now wants to work for a military equipment manufacturer. "People are beginning to understand that the Bundeswehr is now clearly focused on defending the country" and NATO, said the engineering student during a job fair organised by the institute in western Germany. He was among young Germans at the event expressing interest in the defence sector, a sharp break from the past amid growing hostility from Russia as well as concerns about US security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump. For the first time ever this year, German arms manufacturers which are some of the world's biggest but had in the past kept a relatively low profile were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. There were some signs of unease, with Germany's biggest weapons maker Rheinmetall pulling out after a handful of students voiced anger at the presence of arms manufacturers. Still, there is a sense the long-running stigma surrounding the sector has eased since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. And the opportunities in the industry may be welcome at a time that Germany's economy is mired in a downturn. The European defence sector employs about 600,000 people and is expected to grow strongly, including in Germany where new Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to greatly ramp up military spending. "The political discourse we have had since 2022 has led Germans to change their way of seeing things," said Eva Brueckner, a consultant from the headhunting firm Heinrich and Coll, which helps defence companies find staff. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, candidates have expressed fewer ethical and moral concerns about defence sector jobs, she said. Another student at the fair, Nico Haenelt, was enquiring about an internship at the stand of industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's submarine-making unit. While the 19-year-old says his parents had quite a pacifist worldview, recent geopolitical upheavals have shaped his own outlook. "If the world were more peaceful, I would probably also look in other areas," said Haenelt, who studies mechatronics, which mixes elements of engineering and computer science. To attract talent, defence companies are offering perks ranging from paying for relocation costs to gym memberships, according to accounts given to AFP. Diehl, whose products include ammunition and missiles, even offers scholarships to young people to fund their studies in the hope they will subsequently apply for jobs with the company. With the German economy struggling, some hope the improving fortunes of the defence sector could provide a boost. There are already signs that arms makers might throw a lifeline to some troubled companies. Rheinmetall, whose profits have soared since the start of the Ukraine war, last year struck a deal to hire workers from Continental as the ailing auto supplier cuts thousands of jobs. Still, beyond the traditional reluctance of young Germans to work in the defence sector due to the country's past, there are other challenges in recruiting for the industry. "The sector is very conservative, and people who don't come from this background may have difficulty integrating," said the headhunter, Brueckner. And not all the students at the job fair were rushing to find jobs in the arms industry. Niklas, a computer science student who only gave his first name, said his priority was to find a job with "meaning", such as in the fields of health or sustainable development. As for the arms industry? "Never", he insisted. lep/sr/fz/rmb RHEINMETALL THYSSENKRUPP CONTINENTAL
New York Times
10-04-2025
- Science
- New York Times
Neutrinos Are Shrinking, and That's a Good Thing for Physics
On Thursday, researchers unveiled the most precise measurement yet of a neutrino, scaling down the maximum possible mass of the ghostly specks of matter that permeate our universe. The result, published in the journal Science, does not define the exact mass of a neutrino, just its upper limit. But the finding helps bring physicists closer to figuring out just what is wrong with the so-called Standard Model, their best — albeit incomplete — theory of the laws that rule the subatomic realm. One way physicists know it is not quite accurate is that it suggests that the neutrino should not have any mass at all. At grander scales, learning more about neutrinos will help cosmologists fill in their ever hazy picture of the universe, including how galaxies clustered together and what influences the expansion of the cosmos since the Big Bang. 'We're looking at trying to understand why we are here,' said John Wilkerson, a physicist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and an author of the new study. 'And that's something neutrinos may have a key role in.' Physicists know a few things about neutrinos. They are prolific across the cosmos, created virtually anytime atomic nuclei snap together or rip apart. But they carry no electric charge and are notoriously difficult to detect. Neutrinos also come in three types, which physicists describe as flavors. And, oddly, they morph from one flavor to another as they move through space and time, a discovery recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015. The underlying mechanism that makes these transformations possible, physicists realized, meant that neutrinos must have some mass. But only just so. Neutrinos are mindboggingly light, and physicists don't know why. Uncovering the exact values of the mass of neutrinos could lead to 'some kind of portal' to new physics, said Alexey Lokhov, a scientist at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. 'This is, for now, the world's best limit,' he said of his team's measurement. Dr. Lokhov and his colleagues used the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino, or KATRIN, experiment to narrow down the mass of a neutrino. At one end of the 230-foot-long apparatus was a source of tritium, a heavier version of hydrogen with two neutrons in its nucleus. Because tritium is unstable, it decays into helium: One neutron converts into a proton, which spits out an electron in the process. It also spits out an antineutrino, the antimatter twin of a neutrino. The two should have identical mass. The mass of the original tritium is split among the products of the decay: the helium, electron and antineutrino. Neither neutrinos nor antineutrinos can be directly detected, but a sensor at the other end of the experiment recorded 36 million electrons, over 259 days, shed by the decaying tritium. By measuring the energy of the electron's motion, they could indirectly deduce the maximum mass possible for the antineutrino. They found that value to be no more than 0.45 electronvolts, in the units of mass used by particle physicists, a million times lighter than an electron. The upper bound on the mass was measured for only one flavor of neutrino. But Dr. Wilkerson said that nailing down the mass of one makes it possible to calculate the rest. The latest measurement pushes the possible mass of the neutrino lower than the previous limit set in 2022 by the KATRIN collaboration, of no more than 0.8 electronvolts. It is also nearly twice as precise. Elise Novitski, a physicist at the University of Washington who was not involved in the work, commended the KATRIN team's careful effort. 'It's really just a tour de force,' she said of the experiment and the discovery. 'I have full confidence in their result.' The KATRIN team is working on an even tighter boundary on the neutrino mass from 1,000 days of data, which it expects to collect by the end of the year. That will give the physicists even more electrons to measure, leading to a more precise measurement. Other experiments on the horizon will also contribute to a better understanding of the neutrino's mass, including Project 8 in Seattle and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, spread across two physics facilities in the Midwest. Astronomers studying the structure of the cosmos at large, thought to be influenced by the vast collection of neutrinos flooding the universe, have their own measurement of the particles' maximum mass. But according to Dr. Wilkerson, the boundaries set by astronomers staring out into the void don't match up with what particle physicists calculate in the lab, as they scrutinize the subatomic world. 'There's something really interesting going on,' he said. 'And the likely solution to that is going to be physics beyond the Standard Model.'
