LIFT: Entry assistance for young people

No great grades, poor German and a lack of self-confidence: Under such circumstances, finding an apprenticeship can be difficult. The LIFT youth project offers pupils with difficult circumstances a special opportunity.

Shayna attended a small class and had difficulties in German and maths, two subjects that are always given special attention in job applications. She registered herself so that she could work at a weekly job organised by LIFT. First she helped out in a village shop, then in a flower shop - filling racks, tying bouquets, fulfilling orders, dealing with time pressure. Her superiors praised how focussed and reliable her work was. Shayna gained self-confidence and no longer dreaded looking for an apprenticeship. She now knew that if she can show how she works, she doesn't need to hide.

Steven, who helped out at a plumbing company, had a similar experience. «Before I took part in the project, I tended to keep to myself at school. Now I do more with the others and also help them if they don't understand something. I've also become more diligent and fulfil my tasks at school better.» This kind of commitment not only prepares students for the world of work, it also motivates many to do more at school.

Like Shayna and Steven, over 3,000 young people spend one afternoon a week working in a job organised by LIFT - each placement lasts three months. They learn how to behave in the world of work and towards adults and what reliability means. The recognition they receive for their work is particularly valuable. They also earn pocket money. Those who struggle with language difficulties can improve their «professional» German. This increases their chances of finding an apprenticeship, and some find their future training company.

Shayna and Steven are two of 3,000 young people in Switzerland who are working in a job organised by LIFT.
Shayna and Steven are two of 3,000 young people in Switzerland who are working in a job organised by LIFT.

Cooperation with 300 schools

LIFT only recruits pupils who are likely to have difficulty finding an apprenticeship due to their school performance or social skills. Over 60 per cent of them start a basic vocational training programme directly after secondary school. A teacher in the canton of Zurich explains: «90 per cent of my pupils have found a follow-up solution. That would have been absolutely impossible without LIFT.» The project does not work miracles, but it does provide solid support where it is needed.

LIFT works with over 300 schools throughout Switzerland and in all language regions. It is the teachers who suggest pupils for an assignment. If you think this would be something for your own child, you should speak to the person responsible at their school. If the school is not yet a partner in the project, it can become one.
www.jugendprojekt-lift.ch

Here you can order the Career Choice Special as a single issue for CHF 4.10 plus postage.
Here you can order the Career Choice Special as a single issue for CHF 4.10 plus postage.

Young people talk:

  • «I do something new every day»
    Pedro Lopes, 19, from Luterbach SO, is a plumber in his third year of training. He has very specific ideas for his professional future.
  • «There's still a lot to learn»
    Marc Roth, 17, from Oberhelfenschwil SG, wants to become a farrier and later run his own business.
  • «My parents are very proud of me»
    Farzana Ahmadi, 26, from Umiken AG, is an EBA health and social care assistant. She misses her home country of Iran and says that the people in the care home help her to feel less alone.
  • «I was only allowed to measure once and had to concentrate very hard»
    Anouk Zaugg, 16, from Brugg AG, completed a taster apprenticeship as a structural draughtswoman. And is happy to be able to do an apprenticeship in her dream job after receiving a positive decision.
  • «I explain to customers what is allowed - and what is not»
    Daniel Wiederkehr, 26, from Rotkreuz ZG, now works as a security technician. Not everything went smoothly during his training.
  • «I like dismantling large objects»
    Bianca Jöhr, 16, from Worb BE, is a first-year apprentice recyclist. She initially wanted to be a hairdresser.
  • «I had a difficult time, and not just because I couldn't find an apprenticeship»
    Colin Spilek, 16, from Nufenen GR, is a vocational school pupil and is doing really well. The search for an apprenticeship coincided with his coming out as transgender - not an easy time.