Building bridges between students and businesses

Numerous discussions, committed companies and promising contacts: the careers fair at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences helps to secure a skilled workforce and connects young academics with the regional business community. The event offered companies from Bocholt and the Westmünsterland region, as well as the Dutch border region, the opportunity to engage with students from various disciplines - with the aim of arranging work placements, final-year projects, part-time student roles or direct entry into the workforce.

The fair was opened by Bocholt's Mayor Christian Mangen, Ludger Dieckhues, Managing Director of Bocholt Economic Development, Prof. Dr Tobias Seidl, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Bocholt; and Dr Fabian Schleithoff, from the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and also Managing Director of the Westmünsterland Development Association of the University of Applied Sciences in Bocholt / Ahaus e.V. Among the exhibitors were numerous companies with local or regional roots, such as Benning, Flender, Fiege, Jemako, Lück, Sinnack, Hübers, Caisley and ten Brinke.

"The response to this event at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences was very positive, as reported by several participating company representatives", according to Astrid Lukas from Bocholt's Economic Development Agency. Numerous discussions took place. Some students specifically sought out the companies present to explore opportunities and possibilities. The WHS in Bocholt plays a crucial role for the local business community, as it not only trains the next generation of academics but also actively promotes the transfer of knowledge from the university to companies in the region. ""We are delighted with the positive feedback from the university, students and participants, as this initiative to secure a skilled workforce is unique in our region"," emphasises Ludger Dieckhues from Bocholt Economic Development. "When fruitful discussions lead to concrete work placements, final-year projects or career entry points, all parties benefit - and so does our business community."

The fair was organised by Bocholt Economic Development Agency and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. The event was supported by the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the university's development association. The aim is to strengthen the exchange between academia and industry.