It is a sunny June morning and the operations of Watertec India Pvt. Ltd. in Coimbatore are in their usual full swing. Yet today something different is going on: Eight small groups of students, equipped with clipboards, papers and pens, move through all areas of the plant – and are bombarding their guides with questions. Each of them has been given the assignment to find out which occupations are required in the plant, and they are eager to solve it best. “We frequently receive school classes but never have we experienced such an active engagement”, one of the supervisors, who has volunteered to welcome the students, comments on the experience.
What is happening that day at Watertec is a company exploration – a professional orientation tool which allows school students to observe professions on the job and gain a realistic idea about jobs and careers.
More than a visit
While a company exploration may sound similar to industry visits commonly undertaken by educational institutes, there are significant differences between a company visit and a company exploration in terms of objectives, planning, structure, and outcome.
The most significant aspect lies in the activation of the students. Because of practical assignments and interest-driven tasks, students are more motivated and attentive during the visit. Thus, it allows the students to move from the role of passive recipients of information to that of engaged explorers discovering the information they require. The added focus and emotional investment in cracking the given task help them to remember the inputs received at the company longer and better.
The focus of a company’s exploration forms another important difference. Since it aims to help students achieve a defined learning outcome, it requires preparation from both the school and company, as well as a well-moderated revision of the students’ impression. Ideally, the learning process is integrated with the curriculum and supported through hands-on practice or experimentation within the company.
An opportunity worth exploring
But company explorations are not only beneficial for students. By presenting students with critical occupations for business success, companies have a chance to motivate the next generation of talent to look into those professional areas most urgently needed by the industry. Moreover, by showcasing their working environment and culture, the employer can brand themselves towards the next generation of candidates and their families.
Nonetheless, the concept of a company exploration is still mostly unknown within the Indian industry and education sector. For this reason, IGCC advises companies and schools in utilising this versatile tool.
Contact:
https://indien.ahk.de/training/dual-vocational-training
