Classism, Artificial Intelligence, and Participation: Project Days with Volkswagen Apprentices at the Alter Gasometer
Wednesday
29 Apr
2026
As part of its educational work, the Alter Gasometer e. V. association understands itself as a place for social debate, cultural education, and democratic participation. Project days with young people from vocational training and professional backgrounds are a key component of this work. They create spaces for exchange, reflection, and collective learning beyond everyday working life. Cooperation with trainees strengthens the dialogue between workplace realities and sociocultural practice.
From April 27 to April 29, three-day project sessions took place at the Alter Gasometer with 13 apprentices from Volkswagen. The focus was on questions of participation in the workplace, social inequalities, and current societal challenges. Participants engaged intensively with the causes and consequences of discrimination, with particular emphasis on classism. The female speakers conveyed the complex content in a well-founded, sensitive, and practice-oriented manner, creating a trusting space for personal reflection and open discussion. Particular praise was given to the speakers’ ability to incorporate the apprentices’ individual experiences and connect them to broader structural social contexts.
Another key focus was on the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence and fake news. The speaker from Mekosax impressed with a clear and competent approach to the topic. Technical fundamentals were explained in an accessible way while also being critically examined. Using concrete examples, the group discussed how disinformation emerges, the role AI plays in this process, and the skills required to critically assess media content. The workshop visibly encouraged participants to reflect on their own media consumption habits.
Overall, the project days were characterized by open and engaged exchange of opinions. Digital methods played a central role and enabled interactive approaches to complex topics. Discussion formats, digital voting tools, and collaborative working phases fostered participation and independent thinking. The high level of engagement among the apprentices was particularly noticeable, as they shared personal experiences and critically questioned social issues. The respectful atmosphere helped to negotiate controversial positions constructively and made democratic processes tangible.
Another part of the program focused on local history and its relevance to the present. Through a digital Actionbound, the group explored Jewish life in Zwickau. The good weather supported the city walk and created favorable conditions for conversations in public spaces. Engagement with biographies, places, and ruptures in Jewish history was linked to an examination of the NSU complex and its consequences. Topics included remembrance culture, institutional failure, and the responsibility of contemporary societies.
The experiences gained during the project days will inform the future educational work of the Alter Gasometer and underscore the high value of such formats for political education and participation. Plans are in place to further develop similar programs and initiate new partnerships in order to engage young people in social participation over the long term.
Organizer: Alter Gasometer e. V.
This project is co-financed with tax funds on the basis of the budget adopted by the Saxon State Parliament.
