Young women are often underrepresented in industrial and technical professions. Girls' Day is designed to give schoolgirls the opportunity to test their talent as bricklayers, roofers, or automotive mechatronics technicians. (Photo: © goodluz/123RF.com)
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February 1, 2022
The coronavirus pandemic shouldn't limit students' career choices. Therefore, both online and in-person formats are welcome at Girls' Day 2022. Crafts and trades will be represented with creative solutions.
Unfortunately, Romy Stühmeier doesn't have a crystal ball. But she seizes every opportunity to stay in contact with young people and businesses. That's why the project manager at the Competence Center for Technology, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities is planning a two-pronged approach for Girls'Day and Boys'Day 2022.
Companies and institutions can register their offers for girls on April 28th, both in-person and online, in the Girls'Day Radar . "If there is no lockdown, on-site internships are permitted within the framework of the applicable hygiene regulations," she says, referring to the legal situation.
Now each company must decide for itself which format is best – digital via video conference or in person with a face mask in the office or workshop. " Ideally , of course, both would be possible. A small group of girls could be invited to the company, and at the same time, a larger group could participate digitally in Girls' Day."
Girls'Day: On Girls'Day , girls from the fifth grade onwards learn about professions in technology, crafts, IT, natural sciences, and industry where women make up less than 40 percent of the workforce . Companies and institutions can list their opportunities free of charge on the Girls'Day Radar . This allows girls, parents, and teachers to search specifically by postal code, city, profession, or occupational field.
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic only allowed for a virtual Girls'Day . However, those involved made the best of the limited possibilities. The fact that the students had already gained experience with video conferencing tools in class during homeschooling proved advantageous for the national coordination office of Girls'Day 2021 and the local organizers. "This meant they were well-prepared for digital contact with the companies ," explains Romy Stühmeier. She also noticed a certain level of anticipation in the lead-up to the event . "Everyone was raring to go because Girls'Day 2020 was canceled."
Expectations were not disappointed. This is shown by the results of the survey of participants following Girls'Day 2021. "The girls were also engaged in the digital format," says Romy Stühmeier, citing the companies' observations. One in three of them registered interest from the participants in an internship or apprenticeship . "The event is effective – even in times of Corona."
Stühmeier explains this with the "many great, creative solutions." She cites two examples from the skilled trades.
A carpentry workshop described its offer in an exemplary manner in the Girls'Day radar and piqued the interest of the female students with its request to procure various utensils for a joint practical project.
A plastering company sent out a package containing a drawing pad, pen, silicone mold, and a small bag of plaster so that participants could draw a rosette and make a cast. Virtual tours of the workshop and chats with apprentices were also popular. "The success of Girls' Day is ultimately up to the companies themselves. The quality of their offerings is crucial."
Girls' Day: Digital or In-Person? Master plasterer Michael Christmann organized Girls' Day 2021 at Stuck Belz as an online event. You can read more about how the day went in the online article "Stuck Belz Sparks Interest in Crafts Virtually on Girls' Day" on handwerksblatt.de . Master roofer Tobias Wecker is planning Girls' Day 2022 at MT Dachbau as an in-person event. Find out what his two female interns can expect in the online article "MT Dachbau Spares No Expenses for Girls' Day" on handwerksblatt.de.
The Competence Center for Technology, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities supports companies and institutions with numerous materials for organizing Girls'Day and Boys'Day. Guidelines , brochures , concepts , and checklists are available online or can be ordered as printed versions.
An online idea board provides suggestions for wording. "Sometimes all you need is a small blueprint to inspire you and then adapt it to your needs."
In addition to email and WhatsApp , the "Digital Info Series" offers direct contact with the Girls'Day team . Staff members address various topics via video conference . In an hour and a half, they explain, among other things, how to successfully create a career orientation program, how to tailor the Girls'Day program to the target group and register it with the radar, and how companies can effectively market their participation to the public.
Romy Stühmeier is very pleased with the demand. The number of registrations per session ranges between 50 and 100. "You can convey a lot in brochures and flyers, but nothing beats a brief exchange where you can receive information and ask questions."
The coronavirus pandemic is placing considerable demands on students. "We should offer them as much normality and stability in their career choices as possible under these difficult conditions," says Romy Stühmeier. The use of digital tools can contribute significantly to this.
The project manager at the Competence Center for Technology, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities describes Girls'Day as an easily accessible program . Many girls and young women are pleasantly surprised after the day-long internship. This positive experience increases the likelihood that they will later apply for an internship or apprenticeship at the company where they participated in Girls'Day.
"This generation must have the same opportunities in the transition from school to work as everyone else before them. We simply owe it to these young people."
DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!
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