The aim of the competition, organized by the Guild of Various Crafts and Small Businesses and the District Office, was to identify workplaces that achieve the highest standards in the vocational education of students. In the first stage of the competition, employers—and, at the same time, genuine vocational teachers—were nominated by district secondary schools that cooperate with craft businesses.
The assessment took into account, among other things, working conditions, wages and the atmosphere at the workplace. This year, Antonina Kopała-Wdowiak was recognized as the best vocational teacher among 11 craft employers. “I don’t feel like the best teacher. I have simply been working with young people for years. And I like working with them,” the modest winner admits, emphasizing that although she received the 2007 Best Vocational Teacher statuette, the competition jury primarily recognized her company. And it is no small company: three canteens, a restaurant, a shop and a bar.
The restaurateur is most pleased, however, by the fact that young people voted for her. “That is what I value most,” she says. “Young people must be treated seriously, like one’s own children. They must not be exploited,” she adds. In fact, it was through working with young people—by organizing discos—that the restaurateur’s business began its activity.
A serious approach to subordinates pays off—for 10 years, none of the trusted employees has left. Although the restaurateur admits that she has heard that some are considering going abroad. “I never burn bridges,” Antonina Kopała-Wdowiak emphasizes. “Even if someone gets a chance to leave, I say: you can always come back.”
Trust is also important, especially since Antonina Kopała-Wdowiak’s company trains, among others, young people from the Voluntary Labour Corps and a special school. The restaurateur remembers a boy who had problems both at school and at home. Now he is happy to come to work, and his supervisor entrusts him with highly responsible tasks.
There were also cases in which someone who was supposed to be a waiter suddenly turned out to be an excellent cook. “Young people must be given a chance,” Antonina Kopała-Wdowiak reveals as her recipe for successful cooperation with employees.
(GA report)