In 2008, as in the previous year, the administrative district of Freudenstadt plans to offer more training positions for young people with learning problems – something which was quickly agreed upon by the "training initiative in the administrative district of Freudenstadt". At the invitation of Dr. Kurt Schmalz, managing director of the Schmalz company and initiator of the training initiative, representatives of the companies Arburg, Homag, Bosch-Rexroth, fischer and L´Orange, of the Chamber of Trade for the Northern Black Forest, of the local employment agency, of the Administrative District of Freudenstadt, of the Heinrich-Schickhardt School and of the Christophorus Special School came together in January 2008. The aim of the initiative is to offer, in addition to normal training positions, additional training facilities for young people with learning problems and people leaving special schools.

The result of the meeting was an agreement that the initiative will again offer several young people with learning problems a chance to learn the trade of precision metalworker. The training includes learning the basic metalworking abilities and the assembly and repair of parts, machines and equipment. The main activities of such workers are the turning, drilling and milling of metal parts. The training lasts three years.

The initiative was started last year by Dr. Kurt Schmalz. The participating companies wish to comply even better with their social responsibility. The current training round provided training positions for nine young people. In the initiative, the companies cooperate closely with the Chamber of Trade, the Administrative District and the schools. For example, the learning-impaired young people are taught and cared for in special classes.

Companies who are interested in the training initiative are always welcome to join! Please contact Michael Jost at the Chamber of Trade (IHK), Marie-Curie-Straße 2, D-72250 Freudenstadt, phone +49(0)7441/86052-16.