Students Forge Global Connections on Educational Adventure to Erlangen Germany

Fifteen students from Stoke on Trent College have set off on a 4-day trip to Erlangen, Germany as part of a 12-week enrichment programme. Erlangen is home to major tech companies, such as Siemans.

Challenge Erlangen, which takes place between 25 and 28 June, will see a variety of students from different courses experience a flavour of German culture including:

• A visit to Staatliche Berufsschule Erlangen State Vocational School in Erlangen where they will meet German students and understand more about their culture
• School workshops for motor vehicle, engineering, health and social care and sport
• A tour of the Siemens training and development centre
• Exporing Reichsparteitagsgelande (the grounds of Nuremburg rally) and finding out more about World War II

Prior to the trip, students have undertaken research of the key attractions in Erlangen, team building activities plus planning sites they want to visit in-between trips.

Challenge Erlangen is a new enrichment programme for 2025, adding to the College’s signature enrichment activity Challenge South Africa, which earlier this year marked 20 years of collaboration with partners in Cape Town.

Grace Smith, T Level Midwifery learner, who is taking part in Challenge Erlangen said:

“I think going to Erlangen would be a great way to see how healthcare works in another country, especially midwifery, which I’m really interested in.

“It would also help me build confidence, meet new people, and learn how to communicate better—skills I’ll definitely need in the future.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“Challenge Erlangen is our brand-new enrichment programme, and one we hope will provide our learners with a rich flavour of German culture.

“Stoke-on-Trent has been twinned with Erlangen for a number of years, and the timing of our visit is perfectly timed as we celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Stoke on Trent College added:

“Our enrichment programme provides a diverse array of experiences that broaden and enrich the College journey for our learners – including longstanding initiatives like Challenge South Africa, now in its 20th year.

“As we collaborate with our partners in Erlangen, we look forward to building a rewarding exchange that brings meaningful opportunities to students in both countries.”

Thanks to the UK-German exchange, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke on Trent City Council, former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Whalley, Christian Hoyer, Jurgen Schreiner, and Timo Lang of the Staatliche Berufsschule Erlangen State Vocational School, and Sabrina Zoller from the Stadt Erlangen Mayor’s Office and Press Office, for their support with this programme.