Page 123 - Guiding-at-risk-youth-through-learning-to-work-Lessons-from-across-Europe

Guiding at-risk youth through learning to work
Lessons from across Europe

one country and region to another. Visits and fairs usually focus on the final year
of lower secondary education.
Examples of such special events were explored from Belgium, Cyprus, the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Italy, Latvia and Malta. In Belgium,
company discovery weeks have become established practice in the German
speaking area of the country and their success is based on strong collaboration
with the local business community.

Company discovery weeks (Schnupperwochen), Belgium

The Institute of Vocational Training for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (IAWM) has been
organising company discovery weeks (Schnupperwochen) during the two weeks of the Easter
holidays for the past 16 years in the German-speaking area of Belgium. The 5 000 young people
in compulsory education aged 15 to 18 are personally invited – via their schools – to visit one or
several participating companies. They may spend anywhere from a few hours to several days in
companies, and even work in them for a trial period. In 2008, more than 800 young people and
275 companies participated.

In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the career fair Educational
rendezvous has become a major national event, showcasing the ability of VET
schools to produce students capable of competing in the global market.

Educational rendezvous, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the career fair Educational rendezvous has been
held at the Skopje Fair for the last three years. Schools are invited to the event to present
themselves to the public and to provide further information to pupils in the eighth grade who are
looking for a secondary school to attend in the following academic year.

The fair also acts as the largest recruitment event of its kind in the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, bringing together vocational students and potential employers. The three-day event
attracts up to 30 000 visitors and is primarily organised by students for students. Throughout the
fair VET students can demonstrate their leadership and business skills through a range of
competitions, which include writing business plans and public speaking. Leadership is provided
through the VET student organisation MASSUM and the event receives support from USAID’s
secondary education projects, as well as from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Ministry of Education and Science.

In Italy, Cyprus and Malta, such activities take place through sectoral
organisations. For example, since 2004, following the creation of the national
guidance committee, the Italian Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to
participate in the national Orientagiovani day organised by Confindustria, a body
representing Italian industries. This represents a series of events organised at
regional level by the local Confindustria associations. In each Italian province, the
industrial associations, in collaboration with schools, training centres and

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