The Herman Trend Alert
December 3, 2014
Workforce Development Beginning in Elementary School
When Joyce Gioia spoke in Mexico last September, one of the people in her audience was the Human Resources Director for a company called KidZania. Headquartered in Mexico City, this company delivers on a brilliant concept: Begin teaching children (ages 4 to 14) about the World of Work as youngsters in a city built entirely for kids; teach them about earning and spending money, expect them to be responsible, and they will respond in kind.
At KidZania, children have the opportunity to try out different jobs. In fact at their Bangkok location, sponsored by corporate partners, kids may "try out" more than 80 real-life professional careers. From Magician to Mechanic, from Ice Cream Maker to Sushi Chef, from Flight Attendant to Fireman, from Secret Agent to Hairstylist, children begin to learn the skills needed to perform the jobs with a range of difficulty to meet the abilities and interests of every child. Plus, they get "paid" for it---in "KidZo", KidZania's special currency. Their goal in Bangkok: "provide the ultimate learning & role-play experience to the children of Thailand"---and it is!
Children may spend their KidZos to "buy" goods and services in KidZania City. Each child begins by picking an occupation, learning about their job, putting on a uniform, and starting to earn and spend KidZos. Children learn the value of currency and the importance of spending it wisely. According to parents whose children love the concept, those "learnings" carry over into real-life, where the children become more concerned about how family finances are managed.
Safety is a major issue for this company. "'Zupervisors' are on hand to introduce and provide support for each activity. Zupervisors are trained adults who guide and help kids accomplish their tasks as they work and play." Besides learning about various professions, children get to learn essential life skills such as respect, independence, social-integration, creativity, teamwork, and money management, where the activities also help kids develop their confidence and self-esteem.
But here's the most brilliant aspect of the concept: the occupations are sponsored by name brands that exist in the locations. At the Bangkok location, 24 brand partners sponsor experiences that begin to connect the youngsters with their brands.
Although there are facilities in Mexico City, Monterrey, Bangkok, and many other cities around the globe (16 in all), currently, there are no locations within the United States. Facilities to open in the next 12 to 18 months include Sao Paolo (Eldorado), London, Singapore (Sentosa), Manila, and Moscow.
KidZania is just the first of many types of operations providing engagement and learning in an atmosphere of fun and involvement. However, it is difficult to conceive how any other concept could come close to this win-win-win innovation.
Copyright 1998-2014 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. 336-210-3547 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."
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DO YOU HAVE THE NEXT BIG PRODUCT OR SERVICE---DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING
If so, you will certainly want to apply to the Edison Awards for innovation. Fifteen categories of awards to win. Hurry, the regular deadline for entries is December 7th. Call, if you need an extension? http://www.edisonawards.com/Nominations.php Enter code "HermanAlert" for a 20% discount on the nomination fee.
BUY A BOOK, HELP A HERO
November 24th, Wiley released Jeff Wolf's latest book, Seven Disciplines of a Leader. When you buy a copy, 100% of the proceeds will go to wounded warrior veteran organizations: Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, Blue Star Families and Building Homes for Heroes. What a great way to say "Thank you" to those who sacrificed so much!
To read this Herman Trend Alert on the web: http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_11-26-2014.html
