Learning Trades and Making Connections

We are honoured this week to be hosting three gentlemen from Schleswig, a town  in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.   This is the northernmost of the sixteen German states -- and is, as an aside, famous for its sport horses.

Randalf, Rudiger and Michael are here meeting with the Township of Lake of Bays, the Town of Huntsville, and our joint Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the trip is to work out the possibilities of an Apprentice Exchange, probably next year. (there is a lot of work to do before everyone is ready to go with this exciting project).

Heinz Hubbert, whom many of you will remember from when he ran Henrietta's Pine Bakery, arguably one of the most popular bakeries in Muskoka, brought this venture to our attention, and it has worked forward to this point -- with people on the ground.  These internship programs have existed in Europe for some time.  The cultural benefits, and acquisition of new skills create an amazing learning experience for all concerned.

Why here? Well, some of the people involved have been to Muskoka. Apparently the National Geographic Travel Editors are not the only people who think this is the top destination.  The beauty of the area, its proximity to Algonquin Park and the vibrant construction industry that is here are all part of the draw. 

This is a pilot project, the first reaching across the Atlantic, and there is a lot of support, including from the German national government.  It's pretty exciting. As this project works forward, they will be looking for tradespersons willing to take on apprentices, be it in construction, electrical, plumbing, bakeries, fine carpentry... whatever.  Tradespeople are the heartblood of most communities, being "the ones who get it done."

We're delighted that we are able to take part in this venture, and host the German ambassadors for the project while they are meeting with the Mayors, Chamber of Commerce, interested tradespersons -- and taking in the sights of Muskoka.