When you’re young, the world of work can feel a long way from the classroom. So seeing an industry first-hand can make future career prospects feel much more tangible, opening up roles and paths that may otherwise be difficult to picture.
That visibility is even more important for groups that are underrepresented in certain images. In STEM, for example, women continue to account for a smaller share of many education and career pathways in Germany. There are encouraging signs of change: women accounted for a record 36% of students beginning STEM degrees in 2024, up from 31% a decade earlier. However, the gap is far wider in vocational education, where women represent just 12% of new STEM apprentice contracts – a figure that has barely changed in the same ten years.
Giving students opportunities to experience these industries while they are still at school can broaden their understanding of the careers available and help them see where their own interests could take them. At BC Deutschland in Ennepetal, 12-year-old Fijona recently had the chance to do exactly that, spending a day at the site to get a first-hand look at working life.
A first-hand look at modern manufacturing
During her taster day, Fijona was given a tour of the Ennepetal production facilities, following the manufacturing process from start to finish and learning more about the role that our fasteners play in the industries they support.
Her experience also took her beyond the production floor. Spending time with the sales team gave her an insight into the commercial side of the business and how customers are supported alongside the manufacturing operation.
Together, these experiences gave Fijona a much fuller picture of the work behind the finished product, and an opportunity to discover parts of the industry she hadn’t previously considered.
Understanding the possibilities
Fijona’s taster day came about through a family connection. Her aunt, Natascha Thienel, who works in the lathe shop and is a member of the Works Council, saw an opportunity to give her an early introduction to working life.
“I wanted her to have the opportunity to experience a real working environment and see first-hand the variety of roles and opportunities available at CTB. Experiences like this help young people build confidence, broaden their understanding of the workplace and make more informed decisions about their future careers.”
At 12, Fijona still has plenty of time to decide what direction she wants to take, but experiences at this stage can be invaluable – sparking new interests and giving students more to draw on as they begin to make choices about their education and future.
An experience worth repeating
By the end of the day, Fijona had come away with a new understanding of an industry and workplace she had previously known little about.
“Now I have a better idea of what my aunt does every day,”, she said.
The experience has encouraged Fijona to spend more time at BC Deutschland. She is now planning to return for a two-week placement in September as part of her school’s work experience programme.
She has also been sharing her experience with friends and classmates, extending the impact of her visit beyond her own experience and helping raise awareness of the opportunities within the industry.
Supporting the next generation at Ennepetal
Fijona is one of many young people who have been welcomed to the BC Deutschland site. The organisation regularly receives requests from local schools and gladly supports taster days and work experience where business needs and availability allow.
The site also welcomes students from colleges and universities, alongside offering apprenticeships and holiday work opportunities. These connections help BC Deutschland maintain strong relationships with local educational institutes while introducing more young people to the breadth of careers available in manufacturing and engineering industries.
For the CTB Group as a whole, investing in future talent forms part of its commitment to the communities it operates in. Creating opportunities for young people reflects the Group’s START values and, in particular, its focus on teamwork, respect and building trust through meaningful local connections.
If you’re interested in a career with us, visit our working with CTB page to learn more about life at CTB, our culture and what it’s like to be part of the Group. You can also explore our current job opportunities on our recruitment page.
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