Blog
Investing in the Futures: Of Students, Communities, and Innovation
When officials at SPECTRO partner with and invest in the Karl Kisters Realschule in Kleve-Kellen, Germany, they are doing so with their eyes on a most ambitious return-on-investment ROI: a return on the future. In fact, many returns on many futures. The future of Karl Kisters students. The future of Kleve and surrounding communities. The future of advanced technology in industry and academia. And, of course, the future of SPECTRO and its continuing innovation and leadership.
Founded in 1997, the Karl Kisters Realschule in Kleve-Kellen today serves nearly 700 students from Kleve, Emmerich, Kranenburg, Bedburg-Hau, and Uedem, who attend the school's 24 classes in an attractive, modern facility.
A closer look at the school's guiding principles and operation provides a clue as to SPECTRO's continuous involvement since its founding. First, there is a clear focus on delivering students options "in their personality development so they may formulate an independent vision for the next step in their education" after graduation. This includes solid opportunities for successful careers in and contributions to the fields of technology. Specifically, the school offers the start of dual training to learn a trade and later, if necessary, to train as a technician or master craftsman.
Among other fundamentals, the school embraces professional advice on school careers, the individual promotion of diverse talents, and team orientation in shared learning. Its differentiators include close links to the region and tried and tested cooperation with the regional economy, including the support of experts in the classroom.
Thus, as a partner, contributor, and supporter, SPECTRO, as a global leader in high technology research and development, innovation, and manufacturing, the fit is natural.
Around the world, the number of students pursuing vocational careers is down, threatening continued advancements and innovation in technology research, development, and manufacturing. But in Kleve, Karl Kisters focuses on math, physics, and chemistry – precisely the training SPECTRO and technology-focused institutions worldwide seek. Today, more than ever, the strategic importance of SPECTRO's multi-year relationship with Karl Kisters is evident for all involved.
SPECTRO is one of the largest employers in the region and is well known for its highly qualified vocational training. The company's partnership with the school helps give students valuable exposure — hopefully sparking an interest to consider potential paths — to technical careers in which qualified technical individuals can succeed in earning good salaries. For SPECTRO, there's a bonus: those careers can and have proven to be a source of quality career trainees for the company. It is truly a win/win endeavor.
SPECTRO's support for local educational institutions is multi-faceted and includes:
• Lending technical experts to classes for the in-class instruction of physics in real applications so that students may learn about physics "in practice" and apply school lessons they have learned to real-world applications — and even career opportunities.
• Enabling two weeks of "practice time" at the company for practical, hands-on experience
• Undertaking specialty outreach programs to attract more women to experience potential careers in technology fields — which are currently a dominating 92% male.
• Hosting open house nights at SPECTRO to increase awareness of the public at large as to the benefits of specializing in a technology career.
In addition, this summer, to promote even closer contact between the school and the company, SPECTRO donated a host of additional resources, including physic kits, electronics kits, tools, and more, totaling around 5,200 EUR.
SPECTRO's vocational training results are impressive. More than 160 students have participated in the program since its inception, and the number of enrolled students increases yearly. SPECTRO currently employs a number of program interns, working students, and apprentices, as well as students working on their Bachelors/Masters theses. In fact, of the pupils who complete the vocation training portion of the program and receive degrees, approximately half are hired by SPECTRO. Many of the others continue their studies in pursuit of university diplomas, with some returning to SPECTRO for employment after earning their university diploma.
In one shining example of "giving back," one former SPECTRO apprentice, Oliver van Well, is employed as a teacher at Karl Kisters. He will even serve as coordinator there for MINT jobs (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology).
Of SPECTRO's innovative partnership with Karl Kisters, one company manager explained it as such: "We are investing in improving the future — of our students, communities, and schools — as well as our technology, company, and industries. The truth is that we are investing in the future of us all."