There was a lively atmosphere recently in the classroom of the KoA project (KoA = Keine/r ohne Abschluss= No one without qualifications) at the Realschule plus Idar-Oberstein, where a conspicuous number of adults, most of them dressed in camouflage, were present. This was no coincidence. The information event was the starting signal for 'MissionZukunft', a cooperation between the Oberstein KoA class and the German Armed Forces that runs throughout the school year. The latter has a strong presence with representatives from the Bundeswehr's career center and its career counseling offices in Trier and Bad Kreuznach. This cooperation is unique in its form to date and aims to integrate career guidance even more intensively into everyday school life, with a focus on teaching both personal and professional skills. Sergeant Major Jan M. from the career guidance office in Trier and Vice Principal Julia Molter, who are driving the project forward with great commitment, are largely responsible for this pioneering step.
Principal Christian Back emphasized the importance of this special partnership: "Our task as a school does not end with the teaching of specialist knowledge. We also have to prepare our young people for life after school - be it in an apprenticeship or at university. This is not just about career prospects, but also about training them to become responsible and responsible citizens," explained Back.
Sergeant Major Jan M., career advisor at the Trier office, will kick things off. In a 90-minute interactive presentation, he will give a comprehensive overview of the Bundeswehr as an employer. He presents the job description of a soldier, explains the organizational structure of the troops and gives an initial insight into the diverse career paths open to employees. Numerous requests to speak and questions from the audience show that interest has been aroused.
"It is of central importance for us to reach out to young people in schools and show them the opportunities and career possibilities in the Bundeswehr," explained M. "In view of the large selection of extensive professional fields and training opportunities, we must make it clear to students that the Bundeswehr is not just about defense, but also offers a wide range of technical, medical and civilian professions."
In the second part of the program, M. presents the planned course of 'MissionZukunft' in a duet with Julia Molter, didactic coordinator and project manager of the KoA class. From October 2024 to June 2025, monthly project days will be held with the class to familiarize the students with basic procedures, values and requirement profiles of the Bundeswehr. Regular workshops will be integrated directly into everyday school life. The young people can also receive individual advice from experts at the careers advice office regarding their professional future. The didactic guidelines are a close integration of theoretical and practical content as well as a progression from the simple to the complex. The aim is to familiarize students at an early stage with the expectations placed on them should they really decide to pursue a career in the Bundeswehr after leaving school. At the same time, however, the project content has been selected in such a way that it will also benefit graduates in careers in the civilian sector.
Principal Julia Molter emphasized the importance of practical career guidance and the special nature of this cooperation: "Many young people often don't know exactly where they want to go after school. With the support of a multi-professional partner like the career center, we can not only offer them concrete information, but also encourage them to actively explore their strengths and interests. This special collaboration not only strengthens their professional orientation, but also their self-confidence."
A particular focus of the collaboration is therefore on the development of key skills, which are of central importance not only in the world of work, but also in social life. "It's not just about finding a job, but about seeing yourself as part of society and making an active contribution. That's why schools must also teach young people values such as responsibility, teamwork and decision-making skills," emphasized Molter.
After a tour of the school for the guests, the participants met for a press conference in the meeting room at the end of the event. Sergeant Major M. and Major S., press officer and regional head of the Mainz Career Center, readily answered questions from pupils, teachers and representatives of the town of Idar-Oberstein. It also became clear that the Bundeswehr expects school collaborations such as 'MissionZukunft' to ensure a high degree of accuracy in future applications. M. concluded by formulating the crux of what is expected of those interested as follows: "Honesty, reliability and the willingness to motivate themselves as well as their comrades to constantly develop." M. concluded by emphasizing that the presence of the Bundeswehr in schools also helps to strengthen the dialogue with society and give pupils a realistic picture of the modern Bundeswehr. "Our task is not only to get young people excited about a possible career with us, but also about the responsibility they bear as responsible citizens in our society."
The unique cooperation between the Realschule plus Idar-Oberstein and the Bundeswehr Career Center marks a decisive step towards future-oriented education. For the pupils, this means valuable support on their path to professional and social independence - and for the school, confirmation of its role as an important player in the training of responsible and committed young people.