Modern engineering education is much more than crafts
One of the main goals of Strong Technical Education (STO) is to get more young people to choose a technical vmbo education. Amber Pranger, programme manager at STO Region IJmond/South-Kennemerland for the past two years, has a clear vision on how to achieve this: "Of course we have to show the children themselves what the possibilities are. The teachers also play a role in this, but the most important influencers of a child's choice of study are really the parents, especially mothers. They have a huge, if not the most important, influence on their child's choice of study."
"A career in engineering is very versatile"
Amber continues: "The tricky thing is that the image many parents have of engineering is often based on about 20 years ago. They see engineering as hard, dirty work that is only for men. Today, that image is no longer accurate. Developments in the engineering sector and technical education are huge. Jobs are disappearing because of the energy transition, but many more new jobs are being created. If you let your child choose a technical direction, your child will be better prepared for the future and guaranteed a job."
And so it is. Modern technology and engineering are woven into everything these days, from healthcare robots to 3D printers in baking to plumbers inspecting pipes with drones.
Amber continues: "Our job is to show parents and students how versatile, interesting and valuable a career in engineering is."
technology is simply everywhere
Amber goes on to say, "Modern engineering education encompasses much more than crafts; it is connected to programming, robotics and advanced technologies. We need to make these innovations visible to parents and students to change their perceptions."
Events such as the Techport Technology Week and the Promotional Technology Event (PET events) contribute to this, according to Amber. "You can slowly see a slight shift in media coverage and also among children and parents. Reports that someone with a technical profession can earn more than, say, a doctor or an accountant create a more positive image."
She goes on to say: We desperately need MBO-educated programmers, mechanical engineers, technicians and construction specialists to keep the region's economy going and to achieve the climate goals!"
Thanks to the Techport network, we have a huge advantage over other regions.
Amber Pranger - Strong Engineering Education
About strong engineering education
Strong Technology Education is a grant programme that has been investing some €100 million extra annually in technology education at secondary schools since September 2018. The STO region in North Holland stretches from Castricum to Haarlem. Between 2020 and 2024, techlabs have been set up thanks to STO, including at Technisch College Velsen and SKILLS vmbo. In these techlabs, (primary school) pupils learn to work with modern technology and engineering.
STO activities in the region reach more than 10,000 primary and secondary school students every year. According to Amber, the fact that the outreach figures are so high is really thanks to Techport: "Thanks to the Techport network, we have a huge advantage over other regions." There were already so many contacts with companies and schools. And there was already so much information and initiatives ready to go. It is important to create an interaction between supply and demand. Schools should dare to ask: 'We want to get started with 3D printing, who can help us?' Or: 'Which party can help us with a soldering workshop?' These collaborations ensure that engineering education remains relevant and attractive."
And so it is. Modern technology and engineering are woven into everything these days, from healthcare robots to 3D printers in baking to plumbers inspecting pipes with drones.
Amber continues: "Our job is to show parents and students how versatile, interesting and valuable a career in engineering is."