The Verler-based technology company Beckhoff and the local high school have been working closely together for 14 years now. During this time, numerous activities and programs have been developed to help young people with career orientation. These include, among other things, company visits as part of career exploration days (starting in 8th grade), internships in 9th grade and in the upper secondary school (Q1), the Beckhoff student visit program with participation in trade fairs such as HANNOVER MESSE, exchanges with Beckhoff apprentices and students, and insights into various company departments.

Beckhoff focuses on early insights into professional life

“Supporting young talent and the associated career guidance are a top priority for us at the company,” says Johannes Beckhoff, Product Management at Beckhoff Automation. “By extending the cooperation agreement, we want to continue introducing young people to the practical applications of science and technology in industry, as well as conveying aspects of economic thinking and entrepreneurial action,” Johannes Beckhoff continues. For Beckhoff, promoting career orientation and providing insights into the practical work of the automation technology company are important investments in the future of the East Westphalia-Lippe region.

In-house training secures the next generation of skilled workers

Beckhoff is also committed to vocational training in the long term: The company has been training its next generation of skilled workers in-house since the mid-1980s. The on-the-job training principle, in which trainees work alongside regular staff from the very beginning, has proven successful for the technology company. Young people can now choose from nine different apprenticeship programs to develop into highly qualified professionals. Since 2010, the family-owned company has also offered a practice-integrated bachelor’s degree program across four majors in cooperation with Bielefeld University, Gütersloh Campus. In this way, Beckhoff bridges the gap between school education and professional practice, promoting both career and academic opportunities for young people in the region. Each year, around 30 young people begin their apprenticeships at Beckhoff, and roughly the same number start the practice-integrated degree program.

Prospects for Additional Formats

Verl High School also emphasizes the importance of the collaboration: “We are pleased that the partnership with companies like Beckhoff and Nobilia strengthens our students’ career orientation and shows them opportunities and paths to pursue an exciting career early on,” says Principal Matthias Hermeler. Beckhoff and Verl High School see numerous opportunities to further deepen their collaboration—for example, through additional discussion formats with representatives of various professions. The goal is to complement existing offerings and inspire even more students to pursue careers in technology and the natural sciences.

Video