On 25.02.2025 the motto was “Take your future into your own hands!” when Dagmar Zwilling, teacher at the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule, opened the doors to the apprenticeship speed dating for pupils in years 8–10 and 12.
33 companies took their seats in the school hall to once again provide information about careers, degree courses and internships, and to introduce themselves. Once again there was the opportunity to practise a job interview, to hand in application documents for an apprenticeship or internship, or to learn even more about the companies themselves. Holiday jobs were also offered and filled.
This was already the third time that the partnership between the Kaufmännische Schule Schwäbisch Hall and the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule took place at the Schulzentrum West. Being able to hold up to 100 conversations within seven hours is an outstanding opportunity in this format for companies, institutions, authorities and, of course, also for the pupils. Many of the young people and young adults once again grew beyond themselves on this day. Showing the right demeanour, making a good first impression and approaching adults from HR departments on their own was a big step for many pupils, and many of them managed it successfully. If needed, they were also supported by their teachers and introduced to the companies in a targeted way. After the first conversation, however, most felt much more confident and handled their appearance more and more independently.
“A cool thing and a great event”, was the feedback from many companies, who were also impressed by the politeness and friendliness as well as the good preparation of the pupils. The high-quality conversations and the appealing format in the atmosphere of the school hall convinced the participating companies. The pupils, too, left the event with a satisfied smile, more information and ideas for their future, and an important experience. The pupils were able to see that “nobody got eaten”. All companies were extremely patient and gave every person the feeling of “being the first person of the day”. The relaxed and positive atmosphere with the many successful conversations brought satisfied and happy faces to the organising team of Jürgen Hofmann and Dagmar Zwilling, as well as to Andrea Fürle, headteacher of the Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule. Special mention goes to the canteen team led by Heike Klau. Thanks to their catering, the day became a thoroughly successful event. So it is no surprise that Wansa from class 8a summed up the day the following day: “The apprenticeship speed dating was the first step towards my dream career!”
