The nationwide training mentors (VerA) scheme of the Senior Expert Service (SES) in Germany is a new mentoring scheme for apprentices, financially supported by the Federal Ministry of Education. The mentors are volunteer senior citizens who are retired trained professionals and who draw on their individual experience to support apprentices on a one-to-one basis, free of charge. The mentoring scheme offers apprentices an opportunity to discuss technical issues and practical work-related tasks with an experienced professional who is external to the company, which encourages a more open discussion. Mentors may also help apprentices practice for their exams, motivate those who are lacking enthusiasm and address any possible conflicts or misunderstandings between the employer and the apprentice.

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