Improving training opportunities via cooperation between general and vocational schools in Hameln

 
Since the 2009/10 school year, general and vocational schools in the local government district of Hameln-Pyrmont have had a cooperation model in place which imparts broad basic vocational training to pupils in Years 9 and 10 alongside their general school leaving qualification. The aims are to support young people in career choice decisions and to improve training opportunities. Although the programme initially started out as a school pilot, it became part of regular educational provision after only three years and has continued to develop since that time. The article describes the motivations behind such a development and the design concept of the model. Progression and transition figures provide evidence of the effectiveness of this particular model. Close cooperation between school senior management teams and regular specialist networking between teaching staff have also been instrumental in its success.