On September 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the triple-purpose gym at the Kronach School Center served as a gathering place for young people, parents, and local businesses. At the 17th Career Fair, visitors learned from nearly 100 exhibitors about apprenticeship programs, college opportunities, and other paths to a professional future. The Lucas Cranach Campus (LCC) was also represented with its own booth.

There’s More Than One Path to Higher Education

At the LCC booth, interested visitors could learn about the academic programs offered by the two universities on campus and talk with students and staff. It became clear that the path to higher education doesn’t always have to begin immediately after high school graduation. Even with completed vocational training and relevant professional experience, there are opportunities to pursue a degree. The three bachelor’s degree programs currently offered at the LCC—Vocational Education in Healthcare, Digital Business Models and Technologies, and Business Informatics 2.0—demonstrate just how diverse the offerings are. These are complemented by various master’s degree programs.

Beyond the degree programs, however, the main focus was on the question: Which path is right for me and my personal goals?

The connection between academic study and practical experience also played an important role. Through partnerships with regional companies, the LCC offers opportunities to directly link theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to forge connections with the regional business community.

What do young people hope for in their future?

The “Tree of the Future,” which the students built themselves, played a special role at the LCC booth. The young people were able to write down their personal goals, wishes, and visions for their future on tree leaves and then attach them to the tree.

This wasn’t just about their own professional futures: ideas and wishes for the city of Kronach were also welcome. The numerous responses give the LCC direct insight into the issues that concern young people and provide inspiration for the further development of the educational hub.

The FabLab was also part of the fair’s presentation. As the LCC’s open workshop, it offers a space to put one’s own ideas into practice—regardless of whether participants already have technical experience. With 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC technology, and other tools, an idea is transformed step by step into a concrete project.

Many Paths, Many Opportunities

This year’s career fair once again demonstrated just how diverse the opportunities are after high school. Through one-on-one conversations, young people were able to get answers to their initial questions, learn about various options, and establish contacts with companies and educational institutions.

For the LCC, this exchange is particularly important: After all, the future doesn’t begin with the first job application or the first day of college. It begins when young people ask questions, discover opportunities, and develop their own ideas.