In this interview, Celina Niehoff, mobility consultant at the Flensburg Chamber of Crafts, and master carpenters Rainer Carlsen and Hauke Heisig talk about the partnership between the Flensburg Chamber of Crafts and the Caribbean state of St. Kitts and Nevis. The two master carpenters recently visited the island nation along with two master electricians. They discuss the goals of the cooperation, their experiences on-site, and the challenges of vocational training in St. Kitts and Nevis. Key topics include sustainability, improvisation skills, and international exchange.
The interview took place on December 16, 2024.
An impression from the interview.
Sophia Grunert: In early 2024, the SCIVET Coordination Office received an inquiry from Ama Martin, the special envoy of St. Kitts and Nevis. It concerned training young people and establishing a broad-based cooperation in vocational education and training.
Ms. Niehoff, what happened after the contact was initially established through the SCIVET Coordination Unit?
Celina Niehoff: Ms. Martin from St. Kitts and Nevis contacted us at the Flensburg Chamber of Crafts. We had an initial phone call to discuss opportunities and possibilities. During her visit, we deepened the discussion and talked about how we could present vocational education and training in the skilled crafts from a German perspective in St. Kitts and Nevis. We brainstormed on relevant professions, experts to involve, and eventually created a rough framework plan.
Subsequently, I was invited at the special request of the island state’s Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, to sign our joint Memorandum of Understanding. This document outlines the goals of the cooperation – primarily advancing vocational training in the skilled crafts, while taking into account cultural and geographical particularities as well as sustainability. Then, the real work began.
The Memorandum of Understanding is signed. Picture: HWK Flensburg
Mr. Carlsen, Mr. Heisig – you visited St. Kitts and Nevis at the end of November and beginning of December 2024. What impressions did you get of the crafts sector and vocational training there?
Rainer Carlsen: We were invited to conduct a project week. On-site, we found a vocational school with a large workshop, but it lacked the equipment we are used to in Germany. Nevertheless, the people were highly motivated. We had prepared a small project: a roof construction that we designed and implemented together with the participants.
We also held discussions with colleagues there. Interestingly, their working methods differ from ours, mainly due to the constant wind and hurricanes. Concrete plays a much larger role there, while carpentry work is simpler and less frequent.
The roof construction takes shape, Picture: HWK Flensburg
How is vocational training structured in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Hauke Heisig: From what we understood, training primarily takes place in businesses, following the principle of “learning by doing.” Additionally, trainees can book supplementary training or courses at a training center to earn certifications. A dual training system like the one we have in Germany does not exist there.
Rainer Carlsen: In Germany, vocational training involves a lot of drawing and hands-on work. That kind of structured approach is not common in St. Kitts and Nevis. They do create small workpieces, but much less frequently than we do.
Why did you decide to participate in this expert mission?
Rainer Carlsen: When we heard about the opportunity, we were curious: How do other countries train their workers? What are the differences? What are the people like there? It was fascinating to experience how warmly we were welcomed. The people there are incredibly caring and open. We stayed in a regular apartment, which allowed us to experience everyday life and meet wonderful neighbors. Personally, it was inspiring to see how much they can accomplish with limited resources. It reminded us of how valuable our training system is.
Hauke Heisig: We benefit from the efficiency and structure of our German system. Over there, however, they excel at improvising – creating a lot out of very little, which is an art in itself. Our course participants were surprised by how practical and hands-on our approach was. They were able to immediately apply the skills they learned.
Rainer Carlsen: For instance, we worked with them on building a roof. It started with drawing it on paper, and by the end, there was a small, finished roof. It was wonderful to see how enthusiastic the participants became.
Hauke Heisig: We aim to convey our passion for crafts, and when that works, it’s all we could wish for.
