On Thursday 5 December 2024, more than 300 students gathered to take part in the 17th Practice Enterprise Trade Fair, organised by the non-profit organisation Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg. A total of 24 were present at the Geesseknäppchen Forum, including 19 national companies from 13 Luxembourg high schools and 7 international companies from Belgium, Spain and Romania.

The concept of the Practice Enterprise (PE) has been around since the 1950s and has been implemented in many countries across a range of sectors (schools, vocational training, vocational rehabilitation, etc.). In Luxembourg, the concept was introduced into the school curriculum as a compulsory course in 2006. Since then, the Entreprise d’Entraînement has been a course taught in the general secondary education – vocational training system – administrative and commercial division.

Patrick Wies, Chairman of Jonk Entrepreneuren, assures:

The 17ᵉ Practice Enterprise Trade Fair has once again confirmed its success, offering a day under the sign of dynamism, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. More than 300 young participants demonstrated their boundless creativity, boldness and remarkable commitment. Their efforts and team spirit made for a memorable day.

The programme is based on a hands-on approach to learning, using an immersive, practical method that complements traditional teaching through the principle of ‘learning by doing’.

Exchanges with professionals play a central role in this event. Sponsoring companies, expert judges, trainers, coaches and teachers work closely together to provide invaluable support for young people. These stimulating interactions make this initiative a unique and enriching experience for all participants.

A real platform for tomorrow’s talent, not to be missed!

The Practice Enterprises are fictitious companies integrated into a global network constituting a real parallel market enabling them to undertake commercial actions between themselves by simulating the real market as closely as possible.

The aim of the PE is to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired in other courses and to acquire an overview of how a company operates. Interaction between the various departments and with external bodies is thus promoted. PE aims to prepare young people for the world of work through business practice.

The trade fair is organised once a year and gives PEs the opportunity to meet each other and create business alliances. A competition is also held, with the following four prizes up for grabs: ‘Best dossier & catalogue’, ‘Best stand’, ‘Best customer service and commercial practice’, ‘Best presentation’ and finally the ‘Best Training Company of the 2024 Fair’, as well as two optional prizes: the ‘Innovation Prize’ and the ‘Sustainable Development Prize’. International companies also had the opportunity to win the ‘Best International Stand’ and ‘Best International Company’ awards.