Winner of this year’s prize exzellent:bildung in the field of education is Leben mit Behinderung Hamburg with their concept Feinwerk.
The basic idea of this two-year educational process is, that even persons with severe and multiple disabilities have a right to occupational support. Through Feinwerk, persons with a high need for support learn how to produce a product and render services systematically. Every worker can try different kinds of work in different work environments, without any stress and pressure. This way, the person gains additional knowledge, makes new social contacts and experiences self-realization. Throughout this programme, the person is supported according to his or her individual abilities and inclinations.
Winner of this year’s prize exellent:kooperation in the field of co-operation are the Inntal-Werkstätten Wasserburg and the company Selecta with their concept on the production of a toy kitchen for children, called Cucina.
This product is the result of a co-operation between the Inntal-Werkstätten and the company Selecta. It all started in 2008, when Selecta approached the Inntal-Werkstätten with a design proposal for a toy kitchen. After a detailed planning by the workshop, the idea was transformed into a prototype. “Cucina” was successfully presented at the toy fair in Nuremberg and a short time later, the joint production of the kitchen started. Both parties benefit from the symbiosis and the intensive exchange of experience.
Winner of this year’s prize exzellent:produkt in the field of best product is the Werkstatt Bremen Martinshof with their Senate Products.
With high engagement and sparkling ideas for a professional marketing strategy, Wilfried Hautop, Manager of the workshop Bremen, lead his products to success. Originally, the workshop only produced jam. Soon, the range of products was extended to finest Darjeeling tea and pure coffee, originally from the uplands in Ethiopia and Peru, always taking into consideration the criteria of organic products and fair trade. By extending the range of products, new work places were created. Tee and coffee are weighed and packed in the workshop. Within a short time, the Senate Products have become an established brand that is well-know far beyond the city of Bremen.
During all four days, experts could exchange information and visitors made good use of a unique shopping opportunity. The Workshop Fair is traditionally known for presenting innovative products and services. 100 lectures and many new products reflect the current importance of this field.
New at the Workshop Fair 2010 were:
- the Forum Europe offered the opportunity to compare national concepts on occupational rehabilitation in eight European countries and to identify common approaches. Within this frame, Johan ten Geuzendam, Head of Unit for EU Integration of People with Disabilities at the DG Employment, Social Affairs & Equal Opportunities, presented the future strategies of the European Commission, taking into consideration the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- the “Entrepreneurs’ Day” was a meeting point for regional profit companies and workshops. The event aimed at interconnecting both parties. It wanted to create co-operation possibilities and to inform on rehabilitation regulations, especially those regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in companies on the general labour market.
- the “Education Street” presented vocational training and qualification concepts for persons with disabilities.
- in the “Green Area”, workshops presented their work in the field of ecological and biological agriculture. The outstanding gastronomy of this area attracted many visitors.
Facts and Figures of the Workshop Fair 2010
17,202 visitors (15,124 in 2009)
249 exhibitors (223 in 2009)
23 exhibitors from abroad (20 in 2009)
5,853 square metres net area (5,733 in 2009)
13,000 square metres gross area
100 lectures (82 in 2009)
4,411 participants who attended the lectures
