Career guidance
Experiencing trades first-hand rather than just talking about them: University of Wuppertal organises an in-house careers fair at a comprehensive school in Solingen
On 8 July, the University of Bergisch will be bringing craft businesses together with Year 9 pupils. The aim is, on the one hand, to break down prejudices and, on the other, to secure a supply of skilled workers. // Photo: colourbox.de/225143
Companies visit schools in person with their apprentices to present their trades. Short, interactive hands-on stations provide practical insights and opportunities for discussions on an equal footing. Through this in-house careers fair, zdi-BeST aims to demonstrate just how diverse, modern and future-proof the skilled trades are today.
There was high demand from businesses to take part in the event – the available places were snapped up quickly. Among those represented at the fair on 8 July are businesses from the plastics industry, the roofing trade, joinery, metalworking and the chimney sweeping trade.
Comprehensive preparation and follow-up
Particular emphasis is placed on integrating the event pedagogically into the school’s ongoing career and university guidance programme. A comprehensive programme of preparation and follow-up for the event was developed in collaboration with dedicated teachers at the school.
Well in advance of the event, the young people explore their own ideas and any preconceptions they may have about skilled trades, and compare these with the facts. Topics covered include earning potential, career prospects, the role of digitalisation and technology, and the question of whether skilled trades are equally suitable for women and men. This stimulates discussion in the run-up to the event and creates a basis for dialogue during the meetings with the businesses.
Forging direct links
The in-house careers fair also helps to secure a supply of skilled workers in the region. “Many skilled trades businesses are urgently seeking new recruits, whilst at the same time numerous young people are not yet aware of the career opportunities available in the skilled trades. This event format creates a direct link between schools and regional training companies,” emphasises BeST coordinator Sarah-Lena Debus.
Interest in the concept has now spread beyond Solingen: discussions are currently underway with a school in Remscheid to replicate the format there in collaboration with other regional craft businesses and to embed it permanently in the local career guidance system.
Businesses interested in taking part in future events in the Bergisch city triangle can contact the relevant BeST staff member, Anna Prim, directly: 0202-4391701 or prim[at]zdi-best.de.
About zdi-BeST
The zdi-Zentrum BeST project has been run by the University of Wuppertal since 2008 and is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and by the North Rhine-Westphalia Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency. The aim of the project is to inspire young people at an early stage to pursue careers in science, technology and the skilled trades, and to support companies in recruiting young talent in the region.
