In March St Helens Chamber took 16 of our Study Programme students on an all-expenses paid international study trip to Stuttgart, the twin city of St Helens.
The study trip is one of the highlights of the six-month Study Programme, designed by the Chamber to give students an insight into a range of international businesses before they move on to Advanced Apprenticeships with local companies.
Our industry-led study programmes equip students with relevant qualifications and combine practical experience with industry projects alongside the study trip to give them an insight into multinational commercial operations.
In Stuttgart the group met with German students at the Kaufmannischen Schule 1 (Commercial School) to discover the benefits of the Duel school system – where schools and companies cooperate closely to prepare young people for industry careers.
Other highlights of the trip included a guided tour of the Porsche and Mercedes Benz Museum, Schmalz and Schon, one of the biggest logistics companies in the world, and a visit to the high-tech DHL international mailing centre.
Students also visited Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and, as guests of the Stuttgart City Administration, received a guided tour of the grand City Hall, its large debating chamber and models of the city’s ongoing development.
Study Programme student Amy Jones commented: “The trip to Germany was the best part of the course by far. I really enjoyed going to a new place and seeing how businesses operate over there.
“I’d definitely recommend the Study Programme – it’s a totally new experience, it’s nothing like college or high school. It’s more formal and there are a lot more opportunities to try new things.”
Students have completed their programmes in International Trade and Logistics and Marketing and Sales at the end of April and are now moving into exciting new careers with local companies. These fast track courses allow the students to gain nationally recognised qualifications, a place on the international study trip and a guaranteed interview for an Advanced Apprenticeship, all in just six months.
To find out more about the Study Programmes available at St Helens Chamber contact Helen Miles on 01744 74 2085.
