Female students discover the world of technology

The DRÄXLMAIER vocational training team in Vilsbiburg invites girls between the ages of eleven and 17 to Girls’ Day every year. On this day of action, the students can discover the company's various technical professions, try them out for themselves and make their own workpieces.

Three workpieces, three professions
This year, a total of 22 participants learned about the professions of mechatronics engineer, tool mechanic and vehicle interior mechanic at three stations. The girls made three workpieces themselves: leather mouse pads, a note holder and a flashing LED heart. This meant they could directly try out activities that are important for the three professions shown. “I think what’s particularly nice about Girls’ Day at DRÄXLMAIER is that you can try out a lot of different things,” says 13-year-old Nelly from the Ergolding State Secondary School.

Arouse joy in technology, discover talents
The Girls’ Day at DRÄXLMAIER is intended to get girls excited about technology and offer a practical insight into the company’s apprenticeships. By trying out all the professions themselves, the students find out which activities they particularly enjoy and which they enjoy. Many Girls’ Day participants later do a trial internship or begin training in the technical field. “I was already at DRÄXLMAIER on the day of repentance and prayer. “I always like the events for students,” says 14-year-old Leonie.
The trainees and trainers explained all the activities to the students and helped with any questions. This resulted in beautiful pieces that the girls could take home as souvenirs. “I liked the mousepad station best,” reports 13-year-old Maya, who visited Girls’ Day with a friend.

Training manager Barbara Gerber emphasizes how important campaigns like Girls’ Day are. “Young people need to experience with their own hands what each profession is all about. Girls' Day plays a special role in this because it is aimed specifically at girls and shows them that technical professions are also a woman's job. Year after year we see how much joy the students have in technical activities and how much talent they bring to it.”

Millions of girls supported
The nationwide Girls’ Day is supported by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education. Since 2001, around two million girls have taken part throughout Germany. The aim is to get students from the fifth grade onwards interested in apprenticeships and courses in the areas of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.

The DRÄXLMAIER Group has been taking part in Girls’ Day for many years. The company  trains more than 170 young people in Germany alone. For several years now, DRÄXLMAIER has also been relying on training based on the German model in numerous other countries. Around 1,500 people are currently being trained worldwide.