A partnership between public- and private-sector organisations, the JOBLINGE initiative offers young people from challenging backgrounds – youngsters who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, for example – the opportunity to show what they can do in a practical setting and to qualify for a vocational training position. It is open to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who have not been successful in finding an apprenticeship or job after leaving school. Many of the initiative’s participants grew up in difficult circumstances and have been unsuccessful in gaining work experience. Not only do most of the participants lack the necessary social skills and technical qualifications, they also require guidance and support as they enter the world of work.

Thanks to assistance provided by the Gemeinnützige Stiftung der Deutschen Beteiligungs AG, JOBLINGE apprenticeships for two young people were created at a portfolio company of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG in 2012. The apprenticeship programme there ran for three years.  

More information on the JOBLINGE initiative (in German) is available here.