Wiesbaden and Berlin revive trainee exchange with hands-on learning
A long-standing trainee exchange between Wiesbaden and Berlin has been revived this week. Fourteen trainees from Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district arrived in Wiesbaden for a five-day immersion in local administration. The programme skips formal lectures in favour of real-world experience and practical learning. The exchange began in the 1980s and was recently brought back to encourage fresh perspectives in Wiesbaden's daily administrative work. On Monday, Gert-Uwe Mende welcomed the group at city hall, marking the start of their visit.
The trainees are spending the week exploring how municipal services operate in Wiesbaden. Unlike traditional training, the programme avoids PowerPoint presentations and theoretical sessions. Instead, it focuses on direct engagement with local practices. No certificates are handed out at the end, but participants leave with expanded professional networks and a deeper understanding of public administration. The initiative highlights a shared principle: administration exists to serve people, whether in a bustling Berlin district or a spa town like Wiesbaden. Plans are already in place to make the exchange a regular event by 2026.
The revived programme connects two very different cities through hands-on experience. By 2026, it will become a fixed part of training for both administrations. The focus remains on practical skills and building lasting professional relationships.
