Vocational Initiative "SchulePlus" Commences in Offenbach
In Offenbach, Germany, a unique initiative called SchulePlus is empowering students to explore career paths and prepare for professional life. This project, launched on January 20, 2025, offers students practical experiences and orientation activities that bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
Coordinated by Judith Zytar, the career and study orientation (BSO) coordinator at the Mathildenschule, SchulePlus provides students with the opportunity to participate in a voluntary, regular, sustainable, and continuous internship model. This program has been successful, gaining support from students, parents, teaching staff, businesses, educational institutions, and politics alike.
Four students and one student from the Mathildenschule have already taken part in the project at Manroland Sheetfed GmbH, a leading manufacturer of offset printing machines. They learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship, such as a collectively agreed 35-hour week and an above-average training salary of 1,223 euros in the first year.
Participating students gain practical experience, making handmade candle holders and working on a mobile phone charging station, among other tasks. SchulePlus offers students the chance to continuously gain practical experience over a period of two years, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of various industries.
SchulePlus originated in central Hesse and was developed by Alexander Schüler, the grade 9/10 coordinator at the Johann-Textor-Schule in Haiger. Since its inception, the project has expanded throughout the state and is now implemented across industries. Schools and companies in Offenbach and East Hesse, such as the Domschule Fulda and Apollonia Dental, are already involved.
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The SchulePlus project aims to introduce young people to the world of work early and show them concrete prospects. By preparing students effectively for the workforce, SchulePlus helps to reduce youth unemployment and the mismatch between education and job market demands.
Talisa Dean is the head of SchuleWirtschaft Osthessen, overseeing the implementation of SchulePlus in the region. This project is a significant step towards equipping Offenbach's youth with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.
- The SchulePlus project, coordinated by Judith Zytar, provides students with a continuous, voluntary, and sustainable learning opportunity that bridges the gap between education-and-self-development and personal-growth, preparing them for various industries.
- SchulePlus offers students the chance to learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship, including practical experiences such as making handmade candle holders, working on mobile phone charging stations, and earning an above-average training salary, which contributes significantly to their personal-growth and career preparation.
