Right Skills 4U activities for primary school pupils continue in the new school year. In the region of Pomurje and Zala and Vas counties, September features a variety of project activities that give young people the opportunity to learn about different professions – either in their schools or by visiting companies.

The project promotes international cooperation and links between primary school pupils on the two sides of the border. With free movement of labour in the European Union, it is important for primary school pupils to get to know the school and work environment in neighbouring countries.

On 12th  September 2024, the project organised an interactive workshop in Vas County, where the following professions were presented to interested young people: carpenter, agricultural mechanic, commercial sales/logistics technician, mechanical engineering, automotive mechatronics technician. The students could expand their professional knowledge in small groups in several locations, like a rotating stage.  Active practical session included soldering and tractor driving. Students from the school also helped to run the sessions.

Then, on 16th  September 2024, a company visit took place in Pomurje region, where the young people got to know the different professions first hand. In the carpentry workshop, they learned about the machinery and equipment needed to prepare wood and make different types of furniture. They also tested their dexterity by polishing a CNC-cut wooden board with an engraved inscription and finally oiled it. They also assembled the frame of the wooden barn. The students also learned about the different work processes in the catering sector: welcoming guests, serving drinks and working in the kitchen. In the kitchen, they tried their hand at preparing the ingredients for pizza with the help of the chef, then making and baking the pizza and tasting it at the end.

The project also held an interactive workshop in Pomurje, in a primary school on 24th  September 2024. At the 4 prepared workstations, young people could test their manual dexterity, learn new skills or improve existing ones, and at the same time learn about the professions for which the tested skills are important. Young people could learn about and try their skills as florists, carpenters, electricians, cooks and waiters. At each station, students spent 60 minutes learning about the profession and visited all 4 work stations. They worked hard and challenged themselves, showing their creativity and ideas.

On 25th September 2024, two company visits were organised to get know some enterprises in Pomurje region. Primary school pupils from Pomurje and Zala county visited two companies in Lendava. The event was bilingual. At the first company, the manager welcomed the participants and introduced the company, then the young people took the tools in their hands and, divided into two groups, started assembling the pallets. The director helped them with the first steps and then they continued on their own, enjoying trying out their handiwork. Both groups successfully assembled the pallets. The primary school children were warmly welcomed also by the next company. The HR Director gave a brief presentation about the company, the scholarship, the internship and the summer work opportunities. Then the pupils themselves listed the professions employed by the company and had the opportunity to show their knowledge. This was followed by a company visit, and later on they were split into groups to try their hand at making mozaics, creating some art, and had a great time.

The second tour took place in the Murska Sobota area the same day, where primary school pupils learned about the professions of car salesman, service adviser, parts dealer, mechanic, car painter, car decorator, designer and printer, as well as upholsterer, carpenter, locksmith and electrician. After the demonstrations, the pupils also had the chance to try their skills as printers by folding paper into squares and upholstered a wooden carpet using a staple gun on an upholstery machine.

On 26th September 2024 a career orientation professional day was organised in Sárvár in the tourism sector. In addition to learning about tourism in a playful way, the school offered a tour of the school’s kitchen and canteen, where they could try out a range of activities, from pancake frying to cocktail making. The students could learn about the structure of the spa, the professions and the jobs available there. In the hotel, they were shown the conference room, the restaurant, the rooms, a suite, and talked about the jobs and tasks carried out by the hotel staff.

The last activity of the month took again place in the Muravian region, with a visit to companies in Gornja Radgona. At the company, whose main activity is glass processing, the students were first introduced to the company and the professions being present there, then they visited the workplaces and learned a lot of interesting facts about glass. The next company, where “brains” of various devices are made, was also shown to the young people. They were able to find out what they expect from their future employees, what they offer them and what opportunities they have for cooperation with students. After the company tour- as a surprise – the students had the opportunity to show in groups what they had learned from the visits. The students did »their job« very well and received small gifts.

The activity days revealed what the project partners had already assumed: that young people like to work with their hands; and hidden and not so hidden talents were revealed. According to the partnership, the company visits were a pleasant memory for the young people and hopefully the events will help the students to choose a carrier.

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Photos by Right Skills 4U