Focus on MINT education: Experts warn of a shortage of skilled workers!

Focus on MINT education: Experts warn of a shortage of skilled workers!

Prof. Dr. Peer Schmidt, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to promoting MINT education (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology). This honor took place as part of the activities of MINT Zukunft e.V., whose aim is to increase interest in MINT subjects and thus counteract the shortage of skilled workers in these areas. Prof. Schmidt is actively committed to developing new courses and educational programs that prepare students for the digital future. Loud b-tu.de He also supports the university's MINT ambassadors, who play an important role in this initiative.

The awarded MINT ambassadors will include a variety of experts and educators who carry out various activities related to MINT education. They are involved in conducting lectures, internships and workshops and accompany students in their MINT projects. This voluntary work is intended to arouse enthusiasm for technical careers and promote understanding of MINT disciplines.

Shortage of skilled workers in the MINT sector

The STEM skills gap is alarming. It was only in March 2024 that a workforce gap of 244,400 skilled workers in the MINT sector was reached, but companies are still concerned about the lower performance levels in the PISA test and falling first-semester rates in MINT courses. This situation is further exacerbated by demographic change, which entails the departure of around 64,800 MINT academics every year mintzukunftschaffen.de reports.

The results of the PISA studies also point to a worrying development. The proportion of high-performing students in mathematics has halved in the last ten years. This fact is particularly alarming given the increasing demands on STEM professionals due to advancing digitalization and the challenges of climate change, which require extensive knowledge in these areas.

Need for investment in education

In order to address the shortage of skilled workers, companies are calling for targeted government investments in the education system and the strengthening of MINT skills in schools. The employer.de reports that the MINT sector is crucial for the ability to innovate and the growth of the German economy. Nevertheless, 209,200 MINT positions remain unfilled, which inhibits creativity and innovation in the industry.

The M+E industry is already investing significant sums in research and development, which accounts for over half of the total innovation expenditure in Germany. Nevertheless, this industry is severely hampered by the lack of availability of qualified MINT specialists.

Securing the MINT teacher base, promoting career orientation and supporting the integration of immigrants are further strategies that are intended to combat the problem of a shortage of skilled workers. A positive learning atmosphere, especially during school closures, can also help achieve better results and attract more young people to STEM careers.