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MINT impulses: Traunviertel is shaping the future of technology education!
Schlierbach: MINT workshop promotes exchange on the future of MINT education in Traunviertel, with over 60 participants and new awards.
MINT impulses: Traunviertel is shaping the future of technology education!
On May 23, 2025, the third MINT networking workshop took place at the TIZ Kirchdorf in Schlierbach under the motto “MINT moves the Traunviertel”. More than 60 representatives from educational institutions, industry and regional decision-makers took part to promote the exchange and shaping of the MINT future in the region. On this occasion, 22 new actors were awarded the MINT Regions Quality Label for their commitment to MINT education. This seal stands for a clear stance, the courage to innovate and the strengthening of MINT education
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The workshop included an exciting lecture by Gernot Grömer, director of the Austrian Space Forum, who introduced participants to the world of space research. Grömer emphasized the need to get children and young people excited about technology and natural sciences at an early age in order to attract future skilled workers. Interactive formats such as “Speed-MINTing” and the MINT.lab also offered participants opportunities for networking and exchanging innovative ideas.
Newly awarded MINT actors
The newly awarded players in the Traunviertel MINT region include:
- Kindergarten Edt bei Lambach
- Gemeindekindergarten Nußbach
- Kindergarten Vorchdorf
- VS Weißkirchen
- VS Steinbach an der Steyr
- MS Gunskirchen
- Mittelschule Haid 1
- MS Scharnstein
- HLBLA St. Florian
- Technologiezentrum Salzkammergut GmbH
- Miba AG
- u.v.m.
Promoting MINT education in Germany
In Germany, the MINT Action Plan 2.0 of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to comprehensively promote MINT skills. This includes strengthening MINT education from daycare to university and addresses social challenges such as climate change and digitalization. In addition, there is a continued focus on equal opportunities, particularly through initiatives such as MINT-connected, which serves as a central contact point for stakeholders and coordinates numerous educational offerings.
It is particularly important to support women in MINT professions, as their underrepresentation in these areas is a major issue. In 2022, the proportion of women among new students in the STEM field was 35%. Programs like MissionMINT specifically promote women in MINT courses and professions in order to combat this inequality. Nevertheless, over 40% of girls feel overwhelmed in STEM topics, which is often due to stereotypical ideas and a lack of self-confidence.
In order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers, attractive qualification and retraining offers for adults are necessary. At the same time, the role of MINT teachers as role models is highlighted, as they can make a decisive contribution to increasing young women's interest in technical careers. Girls' interest in STEM topics is particularly high in the 11 to 16 age group, which could have a positive impact on their career choice.
In summary, the workshop and the associated initiatives show the important role of MINT education in the Traunviertel region and beyond. The exchange between educational institutions, industry and other actors promotes the setting of the course for sustainable MINT education in a variety of locations.