Vocational school students take exam

Some 200 pupils at the vocational school Gewerbliche Schule (GBS) Ehingen attending three-year vocational training courses have come within reach of the end of their school days. They have passed the written part of the final examination. After the subject-specific practical examination, which will take place in January, their vocational training comes to an end and they will emerge as freshly graduated skilled workers or journeymen.

"In spite of the Euro crisis, the job perspective is excellent, in particular in the metal industry, yet also in the crafts", says teacher Ralf Winkow, who co-coordinates the final examination at the vocational school of the GBS Ehingen. On the one hand, this is owing to the good overall economic situation. The German economy is said to grow by about three per cent this year.

On the other hand, the conditions on the vocational education market will see a fundamental change: Very soon already, the demographic development will result in good skilled labour becoming an increasingly rare commodity. Such prospects ought to generate an optimistic attitude amongst apprentices.

The written final exams were held for the specialist fields of professional driver, gunsmith, electrician, electronics technician, precision mechatronics fitter, industrial mechanic, automotive mechatronics fitter, construction mechanic, bricklayer, mechatronics fitter, metalworker, carpenter and toolmaker.

The apprentices were examined not only with regard to their subject-specific theoretical knowledge, but also in the fields of general education German, social studies and economic competence.

These subjects are of an ever increasing significance. "For those who want to grow to occupy a leading position, ought to be able to also express themselves well both in writing and speech", says Head of the School Werner Glocker. However, students often underestimate the significance of the general education subjects for their future professional career.