Bosch Thermotechnik, via its Lollar site, is taking a pioneering role in the Giessen region with regard to promoting the education of young people.
As part of the "Wissensfabrik" [Knowledge Factory] initiative, two education partnerships were recently signed there: one with Clemens-Brentano-Europaschule in Lollar, and the other with Theodor-Litt-Schule, Europaschule in Giessen.
These partnerships are intended to give rise to long-term associations and joint educational projects. "We are happy to take on the task of disseminating knowledge in co-operation with the schools," declared Plant Manager Joachim Lenz at the signing of the agreements which attracted great interest from the media. Joachim Scheerer, principal of Theodor-Litt-Schule, described the long-term partnership with Bosch Thermotechnik as "a gift".

The "Knowledge Factory" initiative was set up last year by leading German companies, and Robert Bosch GmbH was one of the founding members. It is planned that around 1,000 education partnerships with kindergartens and schools and at least 100 committed members will help Germany continue to "crack the toughest nuts in the world" in future; accordingly, the tables at the press conference were symbolically decorated with walnuts.

The Knowledge Factory intends making Germany "fit for the future and for global competition", according to Kristina Schulze who was responsible for the project within Lollar’s HR department and gave a detailed presentation on the subject to those attending the press conference. The education partnerships with the schools are intended in concrete terms to implement knowledge projects and awake a "desire for the future" in the young people.

Theodor-Litt-Schule is a vocational college for technical trades, while Clemens-Brentano-Schule is a comprehensive school. There is a long-standing connection between Bosch Thermotechnik’s Lollar site and the two schools who are "pioneer partners" for Bosch Thermotechnik in the Knowledge Factory. The signing of the co-operation agreements has resulted so far in specific campaigns being consolidated or set up for the long term.
The emphasis in content terms is on literacy and numeracy skills, science, technology and business. Those involved have drawn up a programme in a workshop and defined
projects which are intended to make knowledge comprehensible and appealing. Thus the pupils have the opportunity to take part in technical workshops, work experience placements, plant tours and career-oriented training in submitting applications. The technical workshop,
for example, explains how mathematical theories are converted into actual applications: using practical exercises, the schoolchildren find out how Pythagoras’s Theorem or the rule of three can be found in the computer-assisted control of machine tools or pneumatic processes. Practically-based presentations by Bosch Thermotechnik staff are used in lessons. Workshops are also planned for the teachers which will provide an opportunity to discuss matters with Bosch Thermotechnik staff relating to developments in careers and training and to curricular content.

"It’s a win/win situation" was the general feeling at the signing of the agreements: the pupils are motivated, the company gets more contact with qualified youngsters who could form their next generation, and the schools gain better access to current knowledge and thinking in the business world. A review will be conducted after a year; other schools may be "brought on-board", and it is hoped that further Bosch Thermotechnik sites will become involved.