Twenty-two apprentices from companies based in Mönchengladbach were honored for their voluntary work in local primary schools as part of the “Azubis an Schulen” (Apprentices in Schools) project. In collaboration with the organization ROCKID.one, Mayor of Mönchengladbach Felix Heinrichs and Daniela Perner, Managing Director at the Lower Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein), the Trützschler Foundation recognized these young professionals’ exceptional dedication.
The apprentices, from companies including AUNDE Group SE, Gladbacher Bank AG, SMS group GmbH, and Trützschler Group SE, introduced primary school children to digital topics such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and social media in a playful, age-appropriate manner. The project aims to foster digital skills at an early stage while strengthening children’s media literacy.
“This initiative promotes collaboration between schools, families, and businesses in the context of digital transformation — a win-win-win situation that we are proud to support. We are deeply committed to helping shape the digital future of the next generation,” said Caroline Lange, Chairwoman of the Trützschler Foundation, during the ceremony. She presented the certificates alongside Mayor Heinrichs and IHK Managing Director Perner.
The mayor of Mönchengladbach, Felix Heinrichs, added, “This project eases the burden on schools in an important area. Apprentices learn how to present and teach in front of a group, and children gain valuable skills in a fun, relatable way.”
In addition to knowledge transfer, apprentices develop their social and communication skills and learn how they can contribute to education. At the same time, the project raises awareness of apprenticeships, which is an important step toward securing future skilled workers in the region.
Since its launch in October 2020, “Azubis an Schulen” has been implemented in over 100 schools across six German states. To date, more than 600 apprentices have reached over 13,000 children. During the first half of 2024, focus topics included educational robotics, artificial intelligence, fake news, and social media.
Five primary schools in Mönchengladbach participated this year: Gemeinschaftsgrundschule Heyden, GGS Franz-Wamich, GGS Vitusschule, KGS Annaschule, and GGS Waisenhausstraße.
Cover picture shows: The participating companies, apprentices, and schools were honored at a ceremony where they received their certificates.
