School project showcases the vocational diversity of Kleinwalsertal

Students gain insights into practical experience and explore the versatility of vocational careers as an entry into the professional world in the school project "Vocational Diversity in Kleinwalsertal."

Professional opportunities play a central role when it comes to envisioning one's future in a specific location. The two-day school project "Vocational Diversity in Kleinwalsertal," designed for all eighth and ninth-grade students as well as those in the Polytechnic Course (PTS), had precisely this approach. On the first day, October 19th, 2022 the students had the opportunity to get to know three businesses of their interest in Kleinwalsertal.

The project was organized by the Offene Jugendarbeit Kleinwalsertal in cooperation with the Kleinwalsertal School Center and project initiator Renate Liebl. The stated objective was to make students curious about all that the professional world has to offer and to introduce vocational careers. A total of 47 businesses in Kleinwalsertal participated in the initiative. They provided insights into the diverse industries and areas of activity present in Kleinwalsertal. This allowed the students to get a sense of the various career paths available and the many opportunities that an apprenticeship offers as a starting point in the professional world, as well as the perspectives that further education such as master's training or higher education can provide.

The company visits lasted between one and a half to two hours, during which the students got to know the enterprises. Starting with a company tour and introduction, there was also a practical insight. The students were particularly enthusiastic when they were able to get hands-on experience and were given small project tasks. They engaged in activities like crafting small carpentry works, pouring concrete, operating excavators, preparing appetizers for dinner in a hotel kitchen, producing bath salts, and much more.

The project "The Professional Diversity in Kleinwalsertal" truly lived up to its motto. A wide variety of industries participated, including crafts, healthcare, finance, insurance, taxation, metalworking, electrical engineering, IT, leisure and tourism, as well as administration and construction companies.

Thus, some of the total 66 students were surprised and impressed by the thoughtfulness of operations in the hotel kitchen, the diversity of work in a pharmacy, the technical knowledge of craft businesses, or the versatility of workplaces like the social center. The feedback from the businesses was consistently positive as well: "Entrepreneurs in the valley especially appreciated the exchange with the young people. Throughout the day, about three groups of four students each visited the companies, allowing for meaningful conversations in a short time," Renate Liebl, project initiator, expressed her joy about the successful first edition. Together with the organizing team of Simone Rundel (Offene Jugendarbeit Kleinwalsertal) and Stefan Satzger (Kleinwalsertal School Center), they are already planning a repeat for the next year.

Following the practical day at the businesses, a second project day took place in the Käfer Youth Room in Hirschegg. This day focused on career counseling by BIFO (Education and Counseling for Professions) and getting acquainted with the Offene Jugendarbeit Kleinwalsertal. Parallel to this, a job application photo shoot was conducted by Klaus Ruland from Sonthofen, known for his authentic people photography. Additionally, the students gained insights into the activities of the Offene Jugendarbeit Kleinwalsertal, presented by youth worker Simone Rundel. On this day, the two eighth-grade classes participated in a program at Bergschule Kleinwalsertal, emphasizing teamwork within the class.

This might also be interesting:

YOUTH & FUTURE: THREE QUESTIONS FOR SIMON SCHNETZER

Students gain insights into practical experience and explore the versatility of vocational careers as an entry into the professional world in the school project "The Professional Diversity in Kleinwalsertal."