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Grefrath's Career Fair swaps lectures for hands-on job trials

Forget PowerPoints—this career event let teens try actual jobs, from customs work to trades. Employers say it's the best way to spot future talent.

The image shows an old black and white photo of a carnival with tents, people, carts, poles, trees,...
The image shows an old black and white photo of a carnival with tents, people, carts, poles, trees, and buildings in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads "Barnet Fair, London, England".

Grefrath's Career Fair swaps lectures for hands-on job trials

Grefrath's latest Career Fair brought students face-to-face with potential employers in a hands-on setting. Organised by Grefrath Economic Development and the local secondary school, the event aimed to give young people a realistic taste of working life. This year's edition placed a stronger emphasis on practical experience over traditional presentations.

The fair featured interactive stations where students could try out tasks from different professions. Instead of listening to talks, they engaged in activities that mirrored everyday work scenarios. Companies from Grefrath and beyond set up demonstrations to showcase their training programmes.

Representatives from national bodies, including the North Rhine-Westphalia judiciary and German Customs, also took part. The event encouraged direct conversations between pupils and employers, helping both sides explore opportunities. Many businesses highlighted the increasing difficulty of finding qualified interns and trainees. Mayor Stefan Schumeckers praised the fair as a vital part of the region's efforts to develop its future workforce. He noted that the event's focus on real-world examples made it particularly effective.

Feedback from participants confirmed the fair's success in bridging the gap between education and employment. Students left with clearer ideas about career paths, while companies gained visibility among potential recruits. The organisers plan to build on this year's practical approach for future events.

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