How can sustainability and climate protection be tackled in practice in everyday life and at work? Apprentices from various trades explored this question as part of the myclimate Skills for Future programme. Teaching ideas provided by myclimate’s education experts served as the starting point for their own projects. At some of the participating vocational schools, these took the form of in-depth studies or practical exercises. A national jury assessed the submitted projects. The jury included experts from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) as well as teachers from the vocational education sector.
An overview of the four award-winning projects
‘Cryptomeria Plate’: a meat- and fish-free menu option
Three florists worked with their vocational schools’ canteens to further develop a meat- and fish-free meal option and raised awareness of it through communication campaigns. The project team estimates the annual savings potential at around 360 kilograms of meat and 11.7 tonnes of CO₂. The ‘Cryptomeria Plate’ took first place in the ‘Spark’ category, which covers projects relating to private life.
‘Shred-X’: Shredding cardboard on site
The ‘Shred-X’ team aims to reduce the transport volume of cardboard using a cardboard shredder. To this end, the apprentices designed a digital model using computer-aided design (CAD) and subsequently produced a 3D-printed model. They assembled, tested and optimised this model. The project was awarded first place in the ‘Shift’ category. This category focuses on projects relating to the workplace.
‘Future-oriented floristry’: testing alternatives to floral foam
Two florists investigated alternatives to conventional floral foam. They researched six alternative arrangement methods and tested them in practice. According to the project team, the use of floral foam in the flower subscription services examined in the project was reduced by 50 per cent. ‘Future-Oriented Floristry’ took first place in the ‘Transform’ category, which covers projects relating to training organisations.
Presenting projects and sharing experiences
The awards ceremony gave the apprentices the opportunity to present their work to an audience comprising representatives from both the school and the professional world. Evelyn Mischler, Principal of IDM Thun, opened the event. During the project tour and in short interviews, the teams provided an insight into their ideas and experiences. Lona Widmer from the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (EHB) and Stefan Heusser, Head of the General Education Department at IDM Thun, also took part in the ceremony. Representatives from the training companies and vocational trainers were also in attendance. During the drinks reception that followed, the guests and project teams were able to continue their discussions in greater depth.
Combining sustainability with vocational practice
The projects illustrate the approach taken by myclimate Skills for Future: apprentices engage with sustainability, address specific issues and develop their own solutions. In doing so, they draw on their vocational skills and test how their ideas can be put into practice.
