Workplace Trends Ahead
The Cooperative Comprehensive School (KGS) in Schneverdingen has been making waves in occupational guidance with its Jobwärts project, a career advice programme that has been in operation for ten years. Led by school principal Mani Taghi-Khani, the project has been instrumental in guiding students towards successful transitions into vocational training.
In 2018, the KGS was awarded the "Pro-Berufsorientierung! School-Economy" certificate for its outstanding career and study orientation. This recognition is a testament to the school's commitment to helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.
Every Monday, students travel to the vocational schools in Soltau to learn about four major occupational groups: construction, metal, gastronomy, and care. This hands-on approach provides an intensive insight into various occupational fields. After the practical part, there is an hour at the KGS for career coaching, including writing the report book, practicing job interviews, and receiving career counseling from the department of education.
The Jobwärts project also involves parents in the career guidance of their children. A joint consultation appointment between the career guidance of the department of education and the students together with their parents is part of the programme.
Two innovations have been introduced in the cooperation. Students whose inclinations are fluctuating between different occupational areas can now switch at the halfway point. Balancing the wishes of the students and the possibilities of the available places at workshops and styling tables is not easy, says Tinnemeier, the BBS principal.
These innovations have resulted in more 9th grade students choosing the path of training. About half of the secondary school graduates at the KGS now go into apprenticeships and training, compared to an average of two out of 30 students previously.
The project offers students an intensive insight into various occupational fields taught at the vocational schools in Soltau. The close support of teachers from the KGS for their students at the BBS for a whole school year is a significant factor in the project's success.
The Azubiwärts and Uniwärts concepts are also implemented at the KGS to support students in their transition into intermediate school and grammar school respectively. The school project Downward, a career orientation program for 9th grade students, has become a mandatory subject at the KGS.
BBS principal Gaby Tinnemeier and Taghi-Khani have signed a further cooperation agreement valid for five years. The newsletter from Heidekreis presents carefully selected articles of the week without information overload, and it is completely free to sign up. Subscribers can always stay up-to-date with local highlights, as the newsletter is delivered directly to their inbox.
Despite the challenges posed by the corona pandemic, the project has continued to thrive. A compact seminar at the youth hostel in Idingen is part of the Jobwärts program, but it could not take place during the pandemic. Instead, the contents were conveyed on individual days at school.
In conclusion, the Jobwärts project at KGS Schneverdingen is a shining example of successful vocational guidance. Its continued success can be attributed to the close support of teachers, the innovative approaches, and the active involvement of parents and students.
