An exchange of ideas

Sunderland City Council's International team work closely with global partners to create and develop closer trade, education and cultural links with cities and communities across the world.

One of these international partners is Sunderland's German twin city of Essen. The formal relationship between the two, industrial communities is now more than 70-years-old. Among its achievements are the Krupp Foundation's apprentice exchange programme.

Established in 1998 by one of the world's leading industrial companies, the charity provides German students with the opportunity to work and study in Sunderland.

Anthony Ho has spent four weeks in Sunderland thanks to crane manufacturer Liebherr Sunderland Works Ltd and been working at Liebherr's River Wear facility.

Anthony has stayed within Sunderland city centre and has had the opportunity to explore the city. 

As part of this international work placement, Anthony has been assisting the HR department in many different tasks. He has also had the opportunity to try welding with Liebherr's highly experienced apprentice trainers, which gave Anthony more understanding of the products the company manufactures.

Anthony said: "I feel very proud to have been chosen to come here. Liebherr is a great company, with sites across the world as well as in Sunderland. The experience has been very good for my future career. It's been a fantastic four weeks."

Liebherr HR Advisor, Deborah Scott added: "It has been a real pleasure to welcome Anthony to Liebherr and Sunderland. The team have really enjoyed working with him and we are pleased that he has enjoyed his time with us. We hope that Anthony will leave Sunderland with very happy memories and also a wealth of experience and confidence that will help him in his future career."

Before leaving the city, Anthony met the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman.

Cllr Trueman said: "Our city has many strong international links with our twin towns and with the businesses based here. We're always delighted to welcome visitors and great to hear about our latest visitor in this exchange programme.

"These programmes are important because of all the economic, educational and cultural benefits they bring, and we all wish Anthony the best in his future career."

Liebherr Sunderland's Managing Director, Rudy Cherdron said: "We have supported the exchange programme for several years now and have always enjoyed hosting a student.

"It's offered a great opportunity for Anthony to experience our work place, the city of Sunderland and North East England."