CATL Debrecen has launched a new recruitment campaign in Debrecen and the surrounding region, offering several hundred new jobs. The company aims to employ as many local residents as possible, particularly from Debrecen and nearby towns, in production, manufacturing, quality assurance, and logistics positions.
CATL, the world’s leading manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles and a global leader in renewable energy technologies, is investing around HUF 3,000 billion to build its second European battery plant in Debrecen. Both the project and the city’s economy will reach a major milestone by the end of the year: trial production is expected to begin at the cell plant, while the module assembly hall will be expanded with an additional production line. To support this, the company plans to increase its current workforce of over 800 to 1,400 employees in the coming months.
This marks CATL Debrecen’s fourth major recruitment campaign in the region. The company’s goal is to offer outstanding career opportunities primarily to residents of Debrecen and Hajdú-Bihar County. Employees at CATL will gain knowledge and professional experience in one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing facilities, which utilizes Industry 4.0 technologies. CATL is looking for both blue-collar and white-collar professionals who are open to innovation and wish to build a long-term career at a market-leading company.
The campaign mainly targets residents within a 60-kilometer radius of Debrecen, particularly those seeking positions in production, manufacturing, quality assurance, or logistics. The company welcomes applications from both university graduates and skilled workers, regardless of age or gender.
In addition to Hungarian employees, CATL Debrecen currently employs Chinese and other international experts supporting the initial operational phase. In the near future, additional colleagues from the parent company in China will temporarily join the Debrecen team to help transfer CATL’s unique and innovative technologies. However, the company’s long-term strategy is clearly focused on building a strong local workforce.
Strong local presence and educational partnerships
Since autumn 2022, CATL Debrecen has been steadily expanding its presence in the region. Since 2023, the company has organized three recruitment campaigns, significantly increasing the number of Hungarian employees.
CATL has established a close partnership with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center (DSZC), regularly participating in job fairs organized by the institution. CATL experts will soon give guest lectures and host student group visits to the factory. The long-term goal of this collaboration is to develop dual vocational training programs, further strengthening the link between the local labor market and the company.
“CATL’s driving force is continuous development and innovation, which is also reflected in our approach to employee training. Together with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center, we are launching an Operator Training Program for Battery Manufacturing, offering 100 registered job seekers and external applicants the opportunity to acquire a vocational qualification within three months, with the support of the Debrecen District Employment Office,” said Qin Liang, Plant Director.
The expansion of CATL Debrecen represents a significant step not only for the company but also for the entire region. The creation of new jobs, the establishment of vocational training programs, and the introduction of modern industrial technologies all contribute to Debrecen’s economic growth and to enhancing the region’s competitiveness.
