Practical experience, teamwork and hands-on technology
Is a technical career right for me? What exactly does a microtechnologist or an electronics technician specialising in industrial engineering do? What advantages do dual study programmes within a company offer, for example in applied natural sciences, computer science, electrical engineering and information technology? The camp participants found their own personal answers to these questions. Together with apprentices, trainers and university representatives, they were able to immerse themselves in practical work and put their technical skills to the test on the project assignment: ‘How is a microchip made and how might they be used in the future?’
“The camp has convinced me that a dual degree programme in mechatronics could be a good fit for me,” says Emilia, 15. Sophie, 16, is also enthusiastic. “What I found most exciting was the insight into the cleanroom. It was something really special to see a place you don’t normally have access to.”
Providing insights – opening up prospects
Infineon Technologies AG and OTH Regensburg co-hosted the camp for the fourth time. Stefanie Schütz, training manager at Infineon, emphasises: “I’m delighted every time I see how curiously the girls approach the tasks and how they really come into their own over the course of the week. For me, experiences like this are the best proof that early, hands-on insights into technical careers translate directly into enthusiasm and career guidance – which is why we are making a long-term investment in programmes that open up real career prospects for young women in STEM fields.”
Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, also sees the Girls’ Research Camp as an important contribution to promoting the next generation in STEM: “Inspiring young women to take an interest in technology is, and always will be, an investment in the future. This year’s Girls’ Research Camp once again demonstrates just how much potential lies in hands-on experience and experimentation. We at OTH Regensburg create the spaces where this spark is ignited – because there is room for clever, courageous and creative minds in the engineering sciences.”
Tobias Gotthardt, Bavarian State Secretary for Economic Affairs, also emphasises the social and economic significance of such initiatives: “Innovation begins when young people are given the opportunity to discover their interests, try out new things and gain confidence in their own abilities. This is precisely what the camps achieve in a unique way. They bring technology to life, open up new horizons and strengthen key skills for the future. The participants demonstrate just how much curiosity, commitment and team spirit they possess. We are keen to nurture young talent, including in the STEM fields. That is why we have been supporting the camps as part of the ‘Technology – Future in Bavaria’ project for over 25 years with more than one million euros. I am convinced that this money is money well spent.”
bbw Chairwoman Sandra Stenger emphasises the role of the Girls’ Research Camp in promoting girls in STEM subjects: “In our experience, career guidance is particularly effective when young people can test their skills in real-life situations. The Girls’ Research Camp combines hands-on work, personal growth and career guidance. This creates experiences that encourage young people to explore new paths and take an active role in shaping their future.”
Supporting the next generation starts with hands-on experience
The ‘Technology – Future in Bavaria’ educational initiative was launched over 25 years ago by the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw) e. V. Through eight different camp formats, it brings young people into contact with companies, universities and vocational training programmes – always with the aim of strengthening their career guidance and opening up practical prospects for them. The Women in Research Camp is aimed at young women who wish to explore technical careers and dual study programmes and try their hand at practical projects.
Bertram Brossardt, Chief Executive of bayme vbm, explains: “Through our camps, we provide young people with practical career guidance and exciting initial insights into the diverse opportunities in the M+E industry – right on the ground, with real role models. In this way, we spark an early enthusiasm for STEM careers and bring young talent together with local companies as potential employers of tomorrow. The camps thus make a valuable contribution to securing the workforce and skilled labour in the region.”
More than just an internship: a holiday experience with added value
The camp is supervised by an educational team and features a varied programme of activities. “Our camps not only promote technical skills, but also team spirit, independence and strong communication skills,” says Stefanie Piparo, project manager at Technik – Zukunft in Bayern. “And to ensure everyone can take part, participation is free of charge.” On the final day, the young people presented their findings to representatives from Infineon and OTH Regensburg, parents, the press and sponsors.
The Girls’ Research Camp is one of several career guidance camp formats organised by the educational initiative ‘Technik – Zukunft in Bayern’ and supported by the Bavarian metal and electrical employers’ associations bayme vbm as the main sponsor, as well as by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.
Further information and press material can be found at tezba.de/presse/.
