German in the UK

The first German Career Fair in Scotland took place at Forrester High School in Edinburgh on 2 March 2012. The event was organised by the German Consulate General Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council Education, Children and Families Department and the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce Scotland.

The Career Fair gave 445 pupils from 16 schools in and around Edinburgh, as well as nearly 100 students from six of Scotland's universities, the opportunity to meet representatives of German companies active in Scotland and of Scottish companies with ties to Germany.

Exhibitors at the Fair included businesses, such as Bosch, Lidl and Siemens, as well as universities, cultural institutions and government organisations. Throughout the day talks by representatives from the Centre for Scottish Public Policy (CSPP), Edinburgh University, the Saltire Foundation, the European Commission Scotland and the European Parliament Office Scotland provided further insight into the relevance of speaking German today.

The owner of German bistro Frankfurter Eck was invited to use one of the school canteens on the day, enabling all of the participants to buy traditional German food including Bratwurst and Currywurst, Apfelstrüdel, Spaetzle and potato salad, which added a continental vibe and was very well received by all in attendance. Participating schools were also sent an information pack put together by the German Consulate Edinburgh and Edinburgh City Council before the Career Fair. The pack included a short quiz on Germany and the different companies represented at the Career Fair, which greatly encouraged the pupils to go and speak to the stand holders.

The event was very successful and the organising committee received great feedback from everyone that took part. The organisers are hoping to run a similar event next year.

Exhibitors at the Career Fair included: