Since 2009, the "Social learning" project at the Neckar workshop in Wendlingen has been a fixed component of the training plan for IST METZ GmbH apprentices in their second year.

The WfbM (Neckar workshop) is a charitable facility for occupational rehabilitation of people with mental illnesses, who are unable to or can no longer find work in the general job market. The aim is to completely re-integrate the employees into the economy.

The apprentices spend a week in different working groups.

They take on duties and responsibilities, try out different roles and develop understanding and tolerance.

In their day-to-day work with the employees, the young adults learn the right way to deal with people with mental illnesses, thus enhancing their social skills.

As a voluntary additional activity, the apprentices have also organised an "after-work event" in the form of a baking afternoon. The employees have to work with the apprentices without additional supervision. For everyone involved, it was an interesting and instructive experience that was also very enjoyable. "We had a great time and would have liked to stay for longer", confirmed Janine Tulke from IST METZ, who spent time at the WfbM this year. "The baking and the day-to-day work taught us how to deal with unusual and sometimes complicated situations."

The apprentices of IST METZ GmbH