Being an innovation and design-led sportswear brand requires us to challenge the status quo, think differently and always look for the new. This doesn’t just apply to the way we work, but also how we grow our teams. With this in mind, we did some self-evaluation in 2022 and to really push forward, looking for more diverse, innovative talent pools, we worked to create a new method for us to build from the ground up, while offering growth, and learning for true explorers. This is how the Product Creation Academy was born.
The PCA is one of our Early Career Programs aimed at developing the next generation within R&D. One of the key factors that sets this program apart: PCA trainees don’t actually need a degree or experience in product creation to apply, opening up more possibilities for great minds to join the team. The program was launched in January of 2023 with the first cohort of trainees starting in Zurich later that year. Since then, PCA was also launched in Vietnam.
The road to launch PCA spanned around 10 months, from the initial conversations to the design of all stages of the program to getting the roles live. Throughout this period, we meticulously assessed various components – from the basics of how long it would last, which teams needed to be involved throughout, what the different program elements would look like to the logistics and getting training for mentors, managers, and other stakeholders involved, as well as understanding all legal and operational nuances, such as contracts and visas.
The program’s development involved collaboration across several key teams, including Talent Acquisition, Talent Business Partners, Engagement and Growth, and senior leaders from R&D, with our COO acting as the program sponsor.
We also quickly learned that tapping into a fresh talent pool would require a different way of hiring than we were used to. The hiring process included the typical application submission, plus a video component and an initial interview with a recruiter. We then hosted a virtual assessment day featuring one-on-one interviews, group exercises, and presentations. This approach was designed to more deeply evaluate the candidates' growth mindsets and alignment with our company’s core values, rather than their skills and experience. To facilitate objective evaluations, we developed behavioral and values-based scorecards.
“We’re working toward building a diverse pipeline with high potential, creating opportunities for unconventional Talent and industry outsiders, and positioning On as an employer of choice from the get-go. The Product Creation Academy is a key part of these efforts.” - Nicole Vogler, Future Talent Programs Lead
In practice.
The program was designed to support talent in kickstarting their careers in the sportswear industry by taking a hands-on approach to growth and development. Over two years, trainees rotate through four different teams within Product Creation, learning first-hand what it takes to bring our products to life across a variety of teams.
It’s not your usual traineeship. The program is designed to create a broad understanding of the product creation cycle, growing hand in hand the explorer and team spirits. It allows trainees to find their passions and strengths and explore a “new role” every 6 months with one of their rotations being abroad, either in Vietnam or Zurich, depending on where they are based.
However, there’s something that stays consistent throughout the entire program. Mentorship plays a big role – each trainee is paired with one of our senior product creation leaders who provides individual coaching and support across the 24 months. The group of trainees also establish their own bond as a team – for example, through working together on a key sustainability challenge, which is then presented to the Director of Sustainability, and staying connected through monthly training sessions that explore relevant business topics and personal development. Their additional trainings have included topics like an intro to Marketing at On, On's 2024 priorities, and deep-diving into an Apparel Product Creation Knowledge Hub.
"Working with my fellow trainees in the PCA program has been an amazing experience. The sense of community and support we have for each other has really boosted my own development. We learn from each other, tackle challenges, and celebrate our successes, making the entire journey both fulfilling and impactful." - Philine Dinnebier, PCA trainee


“Continuous collaboration fosters a hub of knowledge. As a team of six working in various areas of R&D, we gain the opportunity to not only understand our individual roles but also the roles of our colleagues. This comprehensive understanding is crucial during the complex phases required to bring a product to market. It enhances our ability to communicate and work together effectively, emphasizing the human aspect of our professional interactions.” – Antoni Reniers, PCA trainee
Having a close collaboration with the first cohort of trainees, the program has been able to continuously evolve through feedback from all the participants. The joint sustainability challenge is the best example – while it wasn’t on the initial plans, it became crucial to find a way to keep the group connected no matter what team each is working in.