CATL currently employs 1,470 people in Debrecen, including local and temporary workers, and says it aims to increase its headcount to reach 2,300 employees by the end of this year.
The factory’s development is being supported by Chinese experts who, in addition to installing the technology, help in training the Hungarian employees by transferring the expertise required to operate the plant.
The investment was first announced in 2022, and CATL’s fifth recruitment campaign since 2023 will take place between July and September. Battery module production is already taking place at the company on three production lines. Once the necessary permits are obtained, trial production of battery cells may also begin, and it is for this that a further increase in the workforce is required.
“The employment of local workers remains a priority for CATL Debrecen. However, the battery industry represents an entirely new economic sector in Hungary, and the company’s technology is globally among the most advanced,” CATL said in a press release sent to the Budapest Business Journal.
“As such, attracting a sufficient number of qualified local talents requires considerable effort. Due to the size of the Debrecen investment and the advanced technologies used in the factory, CATL Debrecen needs a large number of employees who are open to learning and able to adapt to a modern manufacturing environment. During the selection process, CATL places the greatest emphasis on talent, expertise, diligence, commitment, and openness to new technologies,” the statement added.
CATL’s “sell” to its potential local workforce is that, as a global market leader, it offers development opportunities at one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing plants, which utilizes Industry 4.0 technologies. The company is primarily seeking applicants for positions in production, logistics, quality assurance and occupational safety, although it is also offering some office roles.
As part of the summer campaign, recruiters from CATL Debrecen will be present at several major events, including the Campus Festival in July and the Flower Carnival in August. Advertisements will appear in public spaces, on vehicles, and across online platforms.
CATL Debrecen says it considers identifying and developing young local talent a key priority. In recent years, the company has established long-term partnerships with several Hungarian educational institutions.
The firm regularly participates in university and technical school events, including the Debrecen Vocational Festival, Hello Szakma, the University of Debrecen Job Fair and Career Day, and the Faculty of Science and Technology Professional Day. The internship program has been highly popular for several years, allowing university students to get involved in the company’s operations during their studies.
In 2024, CATL Debrecen entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Debrecen to support the practical training of engineering professionals, develop the curriculum, and conduct joint research projects in battery technology and the energy industry.
CATL has also been expanding its cooperation with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center (DSZC) since 2024. At DSZC recruitment events, students can not only explore job opportunities but can also learn about the company and its career paths. The partnership with DSZC is set to develop further: the company plans to launch a scholarship program for technical school students and establish joint classes to train future employees, including industrial mechanical, electrical and quality technicians.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 19, 2026.
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