Vocational students from Upper Palatinate: New peer guides for participation!

Vocational students from Upper Palatinate: New peer guides for participation!

In a great initiative, twelve vocational school students from Amberg, Neustadt/WN and Schwandorf recently set out on the path to greater co-determination in the world of work. In a three-day seminar at the Pottenstein youth hostel, they were trained to become so-called peer guides, a project organized by the educational provider “Work and Life in Bavaria”. Under the motto “Participation in the world of work”, the students not only learned what it means to actively participate in company processes, but also how they can confidently stand up for their rights. This could be a real game changer for young migrant people.

The training promoted networking among the students and taught important methods of imparting knowledge and presenting to groups. These peer guides act on an equal footing with their peers, which enriches the exchange and transfer of knowledge. The workshops they will be conducting at their schools in the coming months aim to raise awareness of fair working conditions and workers' rights. They are supported by experienced educators who accompany them on this path.

What does co-determination mean?

But what actually lies behind the term “co-determination”? This includes the rights of employees to actively participate in shaping their working conditions. In Germany, the main co-determination rights are anchored in the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) and in staff representation laws. Employees elect works councils that aim to represent their interests to the employer. It has been proven that greater participation strengthens trust in democracy and increases employee satisfaction and loyalty.

The importance of co-determination is also supported in current studies. Companies that practice co-determination not only offer better working conditions, but are also more economically successful. These companies invest more in modern technologies and have a great interest in meeting social and economic goals. A climate that encourages participation motivates employees to actively participate, which can significantly increase productivity - up to 9 percent, as studies show.

The way into the future

The concept of peer guides should be expanded beyond the topics of co-determination and fair working conditions. The students not only become multipliers, but also important actors who can promote the culture of participation in schools and beyond. The conditions for this are favorable, especially at a time when the EU plans to incorporate social aspects into its sustainable investment policies.

These dedicated students are part of a larger movement that emphasizes the importance of participation in today's workplace. By empowering young people, a foundation is laid that encourages the next generations to actively stand up for their rights and for fair working conditions. More co-determination in the workplace could also help to ensure the innovative and economic competitiveness of companies and at the same time create a fair working world.

As developments show, there is something going on here. From peer guides to the promotion of participation to the positive effects on democracy - the time is ripe for change, and it can come directly from schools. A big congratulations to everyone involved!