Women at the checkout, men as metal technicians – this is how the role models in business still look. In addition, only a quarter of all highly qualified science and technology jobs in Austria are held by women. With the new “Mintality” foundation, which was set up by nine companies – including Miba, Fronius, TGW Logistics and Greiner – as well as by the Federation of Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and the State Innovation Foundation for Education, this is set to change in the future. “In the long term, we are aiming for five percent more graduates in the Mint subjects,” said Therese Niss. The board member of Mitterbauer Beteiligungs-AG (Miba) is the initiator. Mint stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.
Away from stereotypes
Now one can generate a change in consciousness and break up the traditional role models. “At the same time, our society must become more affinity with science and technology than it unfortunately is at the moment,” added Fronius Managing Director Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß. This is to be achieved through teacher training and the promotion of specific projects. In any case, the digital learning game “Robitopia” from Upper Austria is already in the starting blocks and is to be rolled out throughout Austria. In the educational game for girls co-developed by Niss, children travel digitally through space with a robot and learn about technical professions by solving tasks. Also planned for the future: Finding more comrades-in-arms for Mintality. According to Niss, talks are being held. The foundation is currently endowed with 1.2 million euros annually. (ika)
Source: Nachrichten
