The Apprentices Takeover

---

We had a cancellation in the programme today and as I have such a caring employer they have provided me with all the tools I need to continue working from here I have taken the opportunity to catch up on things at home - a great example of remote working in full effect.

So our apprentices have taken the time to provide their feedback on the programme so far:

“The first week in Sweden has been fantastic, seen and done some amazing things! Couldn’t be any more grateful for this brilliant opportunity I have been given. Everything we have done has been so interesting I have many highlights through the trip but the science museum is my favourite activity we have done as a group, I have never see anything like it! I had a great day. Another highlight from the trip was definitely when we gave a homeless man our leftover food, it really warmed my heart seeing how happy and grateful he was.

Really looking forward to what the 2nd week has in store for us, hopefully it is just as good (sure it will be).
The hosts here are all lovely, especially Robin he has gone above and beyond to make our experience here unforgettable. We got on so much he decided to join us as we enjoyed the social side of Gothenburg. I was home and in bed by 12.30am, you wouldn’t believe I was the youngest of the group.” – Alex

“The first week in Goteborg has been amazing and we have done some amazing things which I’m sure we won’t forget in a hurry! Our guide Robin has been amazing and has put a lot of effort into making sure we get to see and learn everything about this beautiful city whilst making it very enjoyable! My highlights from the first week was traveling to Vänersborg and meeting Frida who talked to us about the politics and the green party been big over here, I especially enjoyed the walk around the beautiful lake in the sun!

From the second week I am most looking forward to visit projects Crossroad (centre for EU-migrants) and learning more about External Relations units. Also taking more of the beautiful city!

I couldn’t be more grateful at been given the opportunity to come visit this beautiful city, not only to learn about it and the culture but the opportunity to meet all the amazing people I have – We have all made friends for life! ” – Paige

“Taking up this opportunity has definitely been one of the best decisions I have made. I have been sent to Sweden with the best group of people I could ever wish for and I will be coming home with friends for life. Not only have I been able to explore Sweden and the Vastra Götaland Region but I have been able to meet my fellow apprentices to discover what they are gaining from the programme and their experiences.

One of my highlights of the week has to be meeting Robin – he is the best guide we could possibly ask for and he always goes the extra mile to make sure we’re all having fun and enjoying the programme (he also chose the best burger place to eat). Visiting Universeum had to be my favourite activity so far, we saw LOTS of animals including sharks, snakes and even a sloth! Also for those of you who know I am an amazing bird spotter we even saw a great crested grebe and a mini pink flamingo looking bird, but I can’t remember its name.

After visiting Frida last week I have decided to take a slight career change and become a politician or at least a political secretary (wish me luck!). Vänersborg (where Frida lives and works) was such an amazing place too – it was pretty and peaceful but I imagine it gets quite lonely there.

Everything is so nice over here, it is a beautiful city full of amazing sites. I really am so lucky to have been given the chance to come here and meet those who I have.” – Danielle

“Firstly I would like to say how grateful and appreciative I am to be given the opportunity to come here to Goteborg and meet all the amazing and lovely people I have, especially the other apprentices I have come with – they are just like big sisters!

I have enjoyed all aspects of the trip so far especially visiting the Science Park and learning about the electric buses (ElectriCity) they have here. I also enjoyed visiting Vanersborg where we met Frida and learnt about the different levels of governments here in Sweden and about the politics!

I have enjoyed seeing the cultural and social side of the city and our guide Robin has been brilliant in entertaining us for the week (workwise and socially).

Over the weekend myself, Peter and Danielle went to the football and the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. At half time we experienced how the Gothenburg Ultras encourages their team with fireworks, flares, flags and banners – it was like nothing I have ever seen in the UK.

I am looking forward to our last week, to see what it has to bring and I’m sure it will be just enjoyable as the first!
From this trip myself and a couple others in the group are considering a move to politics and looking into potential trainee positions in Brussels to work for the European Union Offices! ” Aaron

“I would like to start by saying how thankful I am to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful country with some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, I’m sure we will all keep in contact once we are home!

The first week of this trip has been highly interesting and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It was interesting visiting the Lindholmen Science Park, the buildings are far spectacular compare to any building around County Durham, and the ElectriCity project is something we should definitely have in Durham.

My favourite day of week 1 was definitely Tuesday as we visited Vänersborg where we met Frida, who I think has been the most interesting and interactive speaker so far! I don’t know a lot about politics but it was highly interesting hearing Frida talk about the system in this Country and how the Green Party is very popular, as well as the 50/50 split in employees, men and women; something which doesn’t happen that often in Durham or England. Then Frida was kind enough to walk around a massive lake in Vänersborg, which I believe is the most beautiful site I’ve ever seen.

I’ve also enjoyed most aspects of our social life whilst being here, especially the Paddan boat tour we did on the Sunday of arriving here, and it was great to see the city from that point of view. Also, we have managed to experience
Go Karting twice in the past week, something which we all thoroughly enjoyed!

But lastly, our trip wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for Robin, who works for Region Västra Götaland and organised our whole itinerary. He has been a star making sure we have enjoyed everything so far and even joined us for tea on Friday night and showed us the best places to socialise.” Jade

Unfortunately our session to the local University Hospital was cancelled today so we had to create new plans. Hopefully we’ll be able to gain all the knowledge and get any questions we may have when we visit the Angered Hospital on Thursday.

So today we visited Göteborgs Stadsmuseum (Gothenburg City Museum) – entry was free for under 25’s, something you’d rarely find in the UK. The museum was full of school/university groups eagerly making their way through each exhibition. The building was built in1747 and was owned by a Swedish East India merchant. The main section of the building contained offices, a show hall and an auction room and the wings were used as the warehouses.

The museum displayed the story of Gothenburg over the past 12,000 years. We started off our trip in the Viking section – proudly placed in the centre of the room we were able to view the only preserved Viking ship in Sweden. Further through the exhibition we found the perfect “well dressed and wise woman” to selfie with, although I thought all women were well dressed and wise??

We then entered the middle ages section of the museum, unfortunately there were no English translations and my Swedish didn’t prove too successful at this point. We were surrounded by artefacts and pictures that would typically be found in a Catholic Church so we’re assuming this influenced this exhibition in some way. Maybe we need Robin with us next time?

Moving swiftly on we entered the 1600’s, 1700’s and 1800’s. Information was typically displayed in a similar way to what we’d find in a normal museum at home. However, when we entered the 1800’s we were able to pick up a special English translation card and place these on sound areas in the exhibition and hear information through an old fashioned telephone. This was definitely an interesting take and helped us to absorb the information more successfully.

We’re all heading out this afternoon to soak up the local sites, the flower garden and the canal as time is quickly running out!

---