Chimo Holdings support work-wise initiative and learns more about linking students with industry from Germans work experience programme
Chimo Holdings is learning more about strengthening links between education and industry for work-wise by hosting two students on a work experience programme run by Germany giving young people the chance to visit companies throughout Europe.
Benedict Christ (19) and Yannic Vinken (21) have been at Chimo Holdings during October to try different job roles to the ones they do at home.
Chris Hudson, at Chimo Holdings and a member of the work-wise Steering Group, said: "Ben and Jan are very skilled for their age and have a great attitude to work, the successful result of the German approach and links with industry that starts in primary aged children."
"Through work-wise we can create a new generation of young people who are work-ready and can compete with the youth across Europe. As well as education attainment I believe our school aged students should be assessed on how work ready and aware they are."
Yannic comments: "I have really enjoyed coming to Sheffield. It is known all over the world for its manufacturing heritage so it has been a privilege to learn new skills here."
Much of Germany's economic strength is attributed to its commitment to educating its youth in the skills of the specific industries. From the age of 10, there are two separate routes for children. One group will follow an academic path whilst another pursues vocational programmes, eventually finishing in university-equivalent colleges known in Germany as, Berufsfachschulen.
These schools are seen as a legitimate alternative to university and combine working with a company alongside studying about manufacturing.
An impressive, two-thirds of students will go into these vocational schools with only one-quarter going to college. This is something that has not escaped the attention of work-wise.
Chair of work-wise Kevin Parkin, comments: "We are committed to showing young people in the Sheffield City Region what work is really about with a structured 3 year work experience programme. We have run a pilot through our links with manufacturing and engineering companies and aim to broaden this across a range of industry sectors in the coming years. Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world with a strong manufacturing industry so they must be doing something right. There are successful practices from the German approach that work-wise would like to emulate."
For further information please contact:
Surriya Falconer/Leo Watson
MK Things Happen
T: 0114 275 6784
email:Surriya@mkthingshappen.co.ukNotes to Editors
- work-wise aims to improve the employability, work readiness and create real job opportunities for young people.
- work-wise is an industry led initiative that delivers a work experience programme in association with local authority and education Partners.
- work-wise was founded by Kevin Parkin (Parkin Ltd / R3 Products Ltd), Jackie Freeborn (b&e), John Barber (b&e) and Vince Middleton (Newburgh Engineering Ltd) in 2009
- work-wise supporters include: Chris Hudson, Chimo Holdings; Mark Webber, Tinsley Bridge; Vince Middleton, Newburgh Engineering Co Ltd; Alison Bettac, Firth Rixson and Gordon Bridge, AESSEAL, David Grey, MBE, Group Managing Director of OSL Group of Companies and Local Enterprise Partnership Private Sector Board Member, NAMTEC, Charles Turner MD Durham Duplex and Chairman of Made in Sheffield, Engineering Development trust, STEMNET, Sheffield Hallam University, The Engineering Development Trust and The Industrial Trust, the Master Cutlers Challenge.
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