Workers trained in urban environments spent a fortnight on Mainau Island.
In the picturesque setting of Lake Constance, a 21-year-old apprentice gardener from Nordhorn, Hilke Stevens, recently spent nearly two weeks gaining invaluable knowledge and experiences. This opportunity was made possible through the nationwide apprentice exchange initiative, which saw Hilke working on the Island of Mainau instead of her usual Lake Vechtesee.
The idea for this exchange programme originated from Jürgen Müller, the gardener and garden director of the Island of Mainau. The initiative was warmly received by Reinhold Schnieders, the trainer from the Green Department of Nordhorn's city government, who viewed it as an ideal complement to his current training programme for apprentices.
Hilke's time on the Island of Mainau was filled with a myriad of new learning opportunities. She learned about the care of exotic plants like banana plants, a far cry from the flora she was accustomed to in Nordhorn. The Island of Mainau, often referred to as the "Flower Island," offered unique natural experiences that broadened her horizons.
The gardeners on the Island of Mainau maintain a botanical garden with around 1200 different rose varieties, an Italian flower water staircase, and impressive giant sequoias. These tasks provided Hilke with a wealth of knowledge on tasks and plants she would not encounter in Nordhorn, bringing new ideas and helping her assess her performance.
Hilke's exchange experience was positive, noting the different climate and plants at Lake Constance. Upon her return, she presented her report to Reinhold Schnieders, sharing her insights and experiences from this unique opportunity.
The city of Nordhorn regularly seeks apprentices for six different training occupations: gardeners, general administration, automotive mechatronics, media and information services, and event management. This exchange programme not only benefits the apprentices but also contributes to the city's diverse training opportunities.
The Island of Mainau, located on the outskirts of Lake Constance near Konstanz, is a tourist hotspot. Its vibrant gardens and unique natural beauty make it a perfect location for apprentices to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. For Hilke Stevens, this exchange was more than just a learning experience; it was a chance to immerse herself in a new environment and broaden her horizons.
