• Careers room at Ruth Weiss High School in Aschaffenburg now available to pupils

• The DPD Foundation is the principal sponsor of the Aschaffenburg Talent Company

• Klaus Herzog, Mayor of Aschaffenburg, becomes patron

Aschaffenburg, 06 December 2017 – Last Tuesday saw the ceremonial opening of a Talent Company - a specialist facility for careers guidance - at Ruth Weiss High School in Aschaffenburg (Bavaria). On the one hand pupils can find out all about local and regional companies and the apprenticeships they offer, while these companies at the same time have the possibility of carrying out workshops, for example, or can just get to know pupils informally. The project has been organised by the Strahlemann Foundation, while the German DPD Foundation is the principal sponsor to the Aschaffenburg Talent Company.

"The DPD Foundation is especially committed to the promotion of young people. In addition we have close links with the city of Aschaffenburg as the location of our company HQ"

Dr. Philip Nölling, CFO of DPD

Speaking at the opening Dr. Philip Nölling, CFO of DPD Germany, explained: "The DPD Foundation is especially committed to the promotion of young people. In addition we have close links with the city of Aschaffenburg as the location of our company HQ", adding:" What could be more fitting than promoting a local charitable project which provides pupils with support in their choice of occupation." The DPD Foundation, which was established a year ago, is the main sponsor of Aschaffenburg's Talent Company.

The Talent Company as the interface between school and occupational training

When it comes to preparing themselves for the world of work the new Talent Company at Ruth Weiss High School in Aschaffenburg offers pupils a wide range of possibilities. In addition to research workstations for pupils, fully equipped with Internet-capable PCs, the Talent Company also has a lounge in which pupils can, for example, practice participating in a job interview or interact with representatives of companies. On the "job wall" local enterprises have the possibility to present themselves and the occupations for which they offer training, while a smartboard can be used for seminars and workshops. Presentations can be given by teachers, company representatives or even the pupils themselves. Klaus Herzog, Mayor of Aschaffenburg, is the patron of the Talent Company.

Germany already has 23 Talent Companies

The Talent Company at Ruth Weiss High School is already the 23rd in Germany and the second in Bavaria. For Franz-Josef Fischer, Managing Director of the Strahlemann Foundation, this is a clear indication that these projects represent the right way to support pupils in their preparations for working life: "It's amazing to see the enthusiasm with which the project is received." He also emphasised how important it is for young people to be provided with opportunities, which they can then take advantage of in order to shape their own future.

The DPD Foundation focuses on helping children, young adults and families

The DPD Foundation was established in 2016 and is committed to supporting the needs and rights of children, young adults and families, with particular emphasis on combating poverty and promoting educational projects. One important aspect of the work of the Foundation is its partnership with the children's charity Plan International Deutschland. Under the terms of this partnership the DD Foundation sponsors more than 100 children in Africa, Asia and Latin America. With such support Plan International can finance projects aimed at improving the lives of children, together with their families and communities.