Print version Recommend this page Press release
30/ 2008
Bonn, 17.07.2008
Vocational guidance at the Talent Workshop: Pupils experience occupational life up close and personal
Seventy-seven pupils from the Luisenschule school in Bielefeld were recently given a chance to take a practical, realistic look at the working world in order to help them better choose the "right" recognized occupation. These pupils attended the Talentwerkstatt Ostwestfalen-Lippe (East Westphalia-Lippe Talent Workshop) where they took part in a project that the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) is funding with the aim of improving vocational guidance. This project is one of the first measures that the East Westphalia-Lippe Chamber of Crafts and Trades in Bielefeld has completed as part of the German government's recently launched vocational guidance campaign.
At the Chamber's workshops, these pupils received an opportunity to become acquainted with and gather practical experience in five recognized occupations. Whether it was precision machinist, electronics technician, hairdresser, metalworker or office clerk: Ten days long it was file, turn screws, do hair - and, most importantly, try things out and see where one's own inclinations and abilities lie. At the end the ten days, all participants received a certificate that was designed to help them later decide on an occupation and help enterprises when deciding whether to offer them a training place.
This provision of early, practical and systematic vocational guidance at inter-company vocational training facilities and similar training facilities is aimed at helping youths make the transition from the general education system to the dual vocational training system (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience). As a rule, it targets pupils in the eighth grade and up who are particularly interested in skilled trades. The aim here is to increase their interest in completing their schooling and improve their chances of landing a training place. At the same time, this new offering is intended to help lower the drop-out rate among trainees (which is currently about 20%). Particularly in light of current demographic trends and the growing need for skilled labour, it is especially important that youths receive early and effective vocational guidance.
Launched on 1 April 2008, this programme to improve vocational guidance is being conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training on behalf of the German government. Although the programme just began a few months ago, BIBB has already approved € 4 million to assist more than 13,000 pupils to date. Altogether, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research will allocate € 15 million a year until 2010.
Further information is available on the BIBB homepage at www.bibb.de/en/32010.htm .
Information can also be requested from BIBB at berufsorientierung@bibb.de or the BIBB telephone hotline +49 (0) 228 107 1031.
