An apprentice exchange between Bosch Powertool Division in Leinfelden and Bosch Lawn & Garden in Stowmarket continues to provide further opportunity to build strong co-operation between the two business units. For Bosch as a global company it is essential to build a good understanding of the corporate philosophy and also to understand and work positively with cultural differences and across international boundaries. We are committed to the apprentice exchange as a way of developing this broader contextual understanding and as a way of broadening our apprentice's personal and technical development. For most, this is their first independant trip abroad in the world of work and it thus offers opportunity for great personal and cultural development. We also welcome the opportunity for our apprentices to establish new contacts and a wider network of peer support, to enable exchange of ideas and experiences. In 2015 we sent two male participants, both in the second year of their apprenticeships to Leinfelden from 13.04.15 to 24.04.15. The two weeks involved observing how the factory works, including the quality management process, learning about the different manufacturing methods and tools, testing of equipment, and Indego programming. In addition to being given a full understanding of how things work, the apprentices were also given some project/practical work to complete, for example building test equipment with a wider range of electrical equipment than they are used to. Much of their time was spent shadowing Leinfelden apprentices in their work, which helped them to see alternative aspects to apprentice development and build relationships. Both apprentices feel they have gained a wider appreciation of manufacturing in Germany, giving them a greater understanding of the wider Bosch organisation. In addition, the opportunity to develop some new technical skills and experience life in a different country was felt to be invaluable. One apprentice has since stated that he would now be open to a move to work abroad, which demonstrates greater confidence and self-awareness. Movement across international boundaries is something which is actively encouraged at Bosch and the exchange is helping to develop similar aspirations in our apprentices.