Sixteen trainee headteachers visited Kleve to gain an insight into work-integrated training programmes and degree courses at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Kleve Vocational College and local businesses.
The group of visitors comprised candidates for management positions at so-called ‘community colleges’. At these American educational institutions, interested individuals can enrol either to obtain a school-leaving certificate, receive career guidance, prepare for university, or undertake a degree course. The range of courses offered by community colleges thus broadly corresponds to that of German vocational colleges and universities of applied sciences – reason enough for the guests to find out in detail about the various pathways within the German education system. The US delegation placed particular emphasis on dual vocational training.
The programme included not only tours of local factories and visits to classrooms but also discussions with apprentices, school pupils and teaching staff. The guests were particularly impressed by the high proportion of practical training, the close cooperation amongst participants and the support provided to young people.
For many years now, Kleve has maintained various partnerships and exchange programmes with cities in the United States. The cooperation with Ferris State University in the US state of Michigan is one of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ flagship partnerships. “We have been cooperating successfully with Ferris State University for many years and send students there on exchange programmes,” emphasises Dr Joost Kleuters, Head of the university’s International Centre. “However, this is the first time this delegation has visited, so it is something special for us.”
