The MINT Rally is a popular format for practical collaboration between industry and education. The aim is to help young people discover their talents and pursue careers with a future. Companies visit schools for a morning to introduce themselves, their professions and (dual) degree programmes through practical workshops. The STEM Rally is a registered trademark with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.

Why it’s worthwhile: 

• Trainees provide insights into their day-to-day work
• Companies establish early contacts with potential future employees and boost their visibility as employers
• Pupils can try out their own skills
• Opportunities for work experience placements and apprenticeships are available on the spot

STEM portal 

A WESt partnership brings together businesses, schools and clubs in a long-term, needs-based collaboration. The content is freely tailored – ranging from projects and workshops to programmes offering in-depth career and study guidance.

Why it’s worthwhile:

• New partnerships – simple and straightforward
• Joint planning of activities based on your own ideas and resources
• Sustainable collaboration between participants
• The WESt partnership is formalised with a partnership certificate
• A logo is provided for public relations purposes

The WESt Practical Workshop offers teachers authentic insights into everyday business life, as well as a hands-on introduction to apprenticeship programmes and (dual) degree courses. As key influencers in career and study guidance, they can then integrate the knowledge they have gained into their lessons in a targeted manner, ensuring that pupils receive support tailored to their needs.

Why it’s worthwhile:

• Building a strong and sustainable network with schools through close collaboration and constructive dialogue
• Practical and engaging exercises designed for integration into lessons support pupils in their career and study choices

The WESt workshop brings schools directly into companies and provides practical insights into apprenticeships and (dual) degree programmes. These opportunities can also be used as part of career exploration.

Why it’s worthwhile:

• Strengthening the network between companies and potential future employees to forge lasting connections
• Pupils learn about careers or (dual) degree programmes directly within the company through site visits, workshops or laboratory visits

With funding from the North Rhine-Westphalia Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (each contributing half), extracurricular zdi-BSO-MINTplus initiatives are being implemented in the Steinfurt district in partnership with external organisations.

Why it’s worthwhile:

• Young people are inspired by STEM subjects through hands-on activities and are introduced to technical and scientific career paths at an early age
• The targeted support of talent in the Steinfurt district lays a strong foundation for young people
• Collaboration with external organisations, businesses and educational institutions creates sustainable networks between schools and the business community

The ‘Richtungswechsel’ project is aimed at students who are unsure about their studies or have dropped out, and shows them new educational and career prospects. By creating transparency within the education system and specifically promoting dual study programmes as the training pathways of the future, companies are connected with suitable talent. Dual study programmes are already well established in many companies and enable the training of qualified specialists, as well as helping to retain them within the company in the long term. WESt is an associate project partner.

Why it’s worthwhile:

• Companies can reach motivated students who are unsure about their studies or have dropped out, who wish to work in a practical environment and offer great potential for companies
• Dual study programmes combine theory and practice – ensuring that young professionals are trained to meet specific needs and are retained by companies at an early stage