“Campus Handwerk” replaces “Training Day”

The Campus Handwerk (Crafts Campus) is designed as a further development of the previous training day. The event is sponsored by the Oldenburg guilds under the umbrella of the Oldenburg Chamber of Crafts and Trades and the Oldenburg Chamber of Crafts. The goal is to provide young people with practical insights into skilled trades and, at the same time, to increase the involvement of teachers and training companies.

" Together with guilds, companies, and schools, we have developed a new format that offers more guidance to all participants, " explains Kai Vensler , Head of Vocational Training at the Oldenburg Chamber of Skilled Crafts. The core elements of the new concept are four building blocks:

• TRY: practical exercises, such as changing a bicycle tire.

• PLAY: playful tasks with a craft element.

• MEET: Exchange between young people, teachers and companies.

• LEARN: Lecture program for different target groups.

The content structure is also based on themes such as construction, mobility, technology, design, enjoyment, and the body. This division creates an overview and invites exploration. " We wanted a compact campus that highlights the diversity of skilled trades ," says Vensler . The educational concept has also been revised: companies no longer only present themselves at booths, but in targeted sessions that are more focused on exchange and practice. The LEARN presentations in particular provided new inspiration for the participating schools. " The presentations were helpful for supporting students during their internships and in coordinating with companies ," reports Helga Germeyer , coordinator at the Heinrich-von-Oytha-Schule.

In addition to the Oldenburg guilds, partners such as BAU ABC Rostrup, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Federal Employment Agency also participated. Individual companies were given the opportunity to organize their own sessions for the first time. For many, this was a successful start: companies such as the Bartsch butcher shop and Elektro Ulpts recorded high participation rates.

For orientation, the young people received a collection card on which they could document their completed sessions. This element combined information with motivation and was well received by both teachers and students. A total of students from 25 schools participated in the premiere. " This is a healthy start for us, but we want to grow and bring even more schools, companies, and teachers together with our program ," summarizes Hajo Kreye from the Vocational Training Center of the Oldenburg Chamber of Crafts.

The next Campus Handwerk will take place on August 27, 2026.