The zdi Centre in the District of Kleve, ‘cleverMINT’, goes online

Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 20 March 2015: There is a shortage of skilled workers – particularly in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The business sector is therefore on the lookout for well-trained engineers, technicians and computer scientists. The zdi centre cleverMINT works across the entire education spectrum to promote and secure the next generation of STEM talent in the long term at a regional level, in line with the motto ‘Promote the next generation – secure the future!’. Through various projects and courses, children and young people from the Kleve district – from nursery school right through to A-levels – have access to practical STEM programmes both within and outside school. Specific support is also available to help with the transition from school to work or further education.

The zdi (Future through Innovation) network, a joint initiative of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, brings together regional schools, universities, business, political bodies and employment agencies to reach as many children and young people as possible with programmes in technology and the natural sciences. “The zdi network serves as a central point of contact for local stakeholders when it comes to inspiring young people’s enthusiasm for STEM subjects.  The aim is to tackle the shortage of young talent in engineering and scientific disciplines, as well as in technical apprenticeships,” explains Martina Bracht-Nienaber, contact person and project coordinator at the zdi Centre at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences.

Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is the organising body behind the zdi Centre ‘Kreis Kleve cleverMINT’, which was founded in November 2012. This was followed in spring 2013 by the opening of the zdi Roberta Centre at the Kleve District Vocational College in Geldern, and since May 2014, pupils have also been inspired by hands-on activities at the university’s ‘Energy’ centre, where they are encouraged to explore STEM subjects and made aware of relevant fields of study and careers.

All current programmes, such as the ‘Roberta Workshop for Girls’ during the Easter holidays and the activities on Girls’ Day, can now also be booked via our new website www.zdi-kleve.de.