More girls in engineering
Danielle van der Mark is program leader Choosing Technology at Techport and her goal with the activities she organizes is to give students, teachers and parents a good, current and positive picture of opportunities in engineering and technology. Danielle: "In 2021, we are focusing more on girls, students from migrant backgrounds and parents."
People have been saying for years that there is a shortage of people in engineering, but at the same time we are letting a lot of potential go to waste. Because research has been done on why this is, facts have come to light that you can and should do something with. For example, it turns out that of the 20% of people working in engineering, only 6% are women. It also appears that if young people with a migration background were to choose a technical MBO program as often as young people without a migration background, there would be 14,000 more technical MBO students! Danielle: "Research has revealed something else that I find not only striking, but also shocking: young people with a migration background and also women in the world of engineering face discrimination. In my opinion, just emphasizing that technology is everywhere and also necessary and fun is not enough. What we are already doing with our efforts in this region, but what we need to be even more aware of, is that in education, perception (among students, teachers and parents) is very decisive in getting more young people to choose a technical education. Because unfortunately, many children still grow up with old-fashioned ideas about professions; in this we can really go the extra mile if we look at other European countries.
Update image about technology
Research shows that girls and boys have less and less experience with technology outside of education, so they also have little technical self-confidence. And not every teacher or master or father or mother motivates a child in this because, more often than not, they themselves have little interest in engineering and technology. More and more good steps are being taken in elementary school. For example, through the efforts of our partners such as FIX Make Education. They teach future-oriented series of lessons about learning (by making), linking creativity with technology. And by the technical VMBOs Kennemer College and Technisch College Velsen who, with the Strong Technological Education scheme, now have the resources to set up new science classrooms, hotspots and tech labs, thus updating the image of engineering and technology.
Danielle: "In technical business, I think it is important to keep looking critically at the corporate culture. For example, by asking yourself as a company: are we inclusive enough? Does everyone get the same opportunities, for example when it comes to internships? Can everyone be themselves and use their unique talents? And also: are we flexible enough with regard to working less and/or different working hours?
Techport's role
When asked what Techport will do about this, Danielle says, "First of all, we have to look carefully at the message we want to bring. Engineering and technology is making a difference. Growth and well-being of our society are increasingly linked to engineering and technology. Be it climate, economy, healthcare or safety. This appeals to students more than by shouting that there is a workforce shortage in engineering. During our Techport Technology Week, we try to really get into the experience of young people, using resources that are recognizable to students, such as TikTok and Minecraft. The 7 worlds of technology are reflected in all our activities because the broader the image of engineering and technology, the better. But also by letting not only students but also teachers and parents really experience technology for themselves. We do this by organizing a study day for teachers and a special program for parents. In these we show the 'promising professions' and do not immediately emphasize technique and technology. Or during a Girls' Day at a Techport company or a Girls' Night at a technical secondary school. With separate programs and facilities for girls, a girls' coach and preferably also female technology teachers, girls and their parents are increasingly interested in engineering and technology. Because instead of "fighting their way into" a man's world, they can simply be themselves, and parents find that reassuring. And very important: involve different role models; so young, old, male, female and of all 'colors'. Engineering and technology is the future; that promising future should be there for everyone. That is what we work on every day together with our Techport partners."