GERMAN trainee teachers are in Worcester gaining work experience at schools and nurseries.

For the third year, trainee teachers from the BBS 3 Lüneburg, a vocational training college in the north German city of the same name, are in Worcester on unpaid work experience projects.

This year a record 15 students aged between 18 and 33 will be spending three weeks in schools, supporting teachers and teaching assistants in the classroom.

Five students have been placed at Northwick Manor Primary School and the deputy head there, Sara Stanley, said: "We have been providing work experience placements for students from Germany for several years now to the great benefit of our pupils and staff.

"Students bring a host of new learning opportunities with them such as teaching the children new language skills and about a different culture. The students are extremely keen to join in with the life of the school and always seem to have excellent English language skills. We really value the time they spend with us.”

Other city primary schools involved in the project are St George’s CE and RGS The Grange. The nursery and pre-school sector is represented by Smiley’s Creche, Painter’s Cottage Nursery in Kempsey and Powick Pre-School.

Several students are travelling beyond the city to Holy Redeemer RC Primary in Pershore, Hanley Swan Primary and St Andrew’s Primary in Hampton, Evesham.

All the students are staying with host families in Worcester.

The project is organised by Pershore-based Principia School of Language who are organising another 18 similar projects for German students, apprentices and graduates in the Worcester area in 2019.

At present they are seeking companies willing to offer unpaid work experience in IT and also business administration, particularly freight forwarding. Contact Peter Corbishley on 01386 556434 or email info@principia.eu.com