Busy learning whilst others enjoy leisure time

The second cohort to attend the "vocational school plus" programme at Main-Spessart Vocational School in Lohr and the third group to complete special technician training at the same institution have both now completed their courses of study, cramming hard and sitting in the classroom whilst friends and acquaintances from amongst their contemporaries were already earning money and enjoying a normal end to the working day.

In addition to the three years spent at a "normal" vocational school during the day, trainees at the "vocational school plus" attend further courses two evenings a week and gain a University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification upon successful completion of the examination.

The Trade and Technical School for Mechatronics Technicians is a programme run by the Main-Spessart Vocational School which is open to those who have completed vocational education and training and are able to demonstrate one year of occupational experience. Two years of full-time teaching lead to a qualification as a state-certified technician, a precursor to qualifying as an engineer, and also result in the acquisition of a University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification.

School principal Dagmar Beck-Ruf revealed that all candidates taking the final examination had passed. She pointed out that life consists of a series of transitions and that the trainees involved had displayed a resilience that deserved the highest degree of respect.

Council Leader Thomas Schiebel said that those who had completed the programme had worked hard for their certificates, but the commitment shown had been worthwhile: "We don't just need academics. We also require people who are really worth their salt at work."

Edda Thomas, who is in charge of the "vocational school plus" scheme, pointed out that the road to certification had been a tough one in many cases. The successful candidates had given up their free time on two evenings a week over a period of three years in order to achieve success.

Christian Booms is responsible for the special technician training programme. He believes that all the hard work put in will pay off in future. Life presents challenges on a daily basis, and those able to deal with stress in a positive way would be at an advantage. "The stress is only just beginning."

Both class representatives emphasised that the training had been good fun, although they admitted it had been very strenuous at the same time.