North Rhine-Westphalia is desperately looking for specialists. It is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find suitable personnel, especially in the field of engineering. The Hochschule Niederrhein has also seen a decline in demand for engineering degree programmes in recent years.
With the new series of events "Technical knowledge for grandparents and other inquisitive minds", the university now wants to increase interest in technical contexts again. The first event will take place on Friday, November 22 from 7 pm (meeting point: Foyer A-Building, Reinarzstr. 49, 47805 Krefeld). On Saturday, November 23 (10 a.m.), the knowledge gained can be advanced in a practical course together with children between the ages of six and twelve (Krefeld South Campus, MakerSpace, Reinarzstr. 49, 47805 Krefeld). Registration is required by 15.11.2024 if possible at: veranstaltung(at)hsnr.de
"We have been thinking about how we can get children and young people more interested in technical contexts again. From my own experience, I know that grandparents are often the first point of contact when it comes to everyday questions. With our offer, we want to make grandparents fit to be able to answer such questions. The Hochschule Niederrhein has the expertise, and we want to share it," says Dr. Armin Knors, Chairman of the University Council at The Hochschule Niederrhein and Head of Engineering & Technology at Bayer AG.
Together with a group of fellow campaigners, he has developed a format that aims to explain everyday phenomena simply and visually. The first event will focus on questions such as "How does a rocket work?", "Why is foam always white?" and "What does a bowl of hot water have to do with a refrigerator?". The event is primarily aimed at grandparents who want to be prepared for their grandchildren's questions. But other inquisitive minds are of course also welcome to attend.
"We are focusing on the fact that personal contact at our event is something different from the mere explanatory text on Wikipedia or other relevant portals. We want to show visitors that we are passionate about engineering and are keen to pass on our enthusiasm," continues Knors.
The lecture event on Friday evening will also include a practical part, which will take place the following Saturday (November 23, 10 a.m., in the MakerSpace at The Hochschule Niederrhein). "We want to put theory into practical application. That makes it even clearer. Children are also welcome to attend," says Knors.
The plan is to hold a lecture series with several events in the coming year. Preparations are already underway.
What: "Technical knowledge for grandparents" event
For whom: Grandparents and other inquisitive minds
When: Friday, November 22, 7 p.m. & Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.
Where: Friday: Meeting point Foyer A building / Saturday: MakerSpace at the HSNR - Reinarzstr. 49, 47805 Krefeld
