11/02/2016 |

Chemistry to touch

Hattersheim am Main, November, 2016 - As part of the I AM MINT initiative, Kuraray Europe GmbH cooperates with the Herder Integrated Comprehensive School in Frankfurt am Main. In this manner interested students receive practical insights into the MINT professions (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology) at the chemical firm Kuraray Europe GmbH. The special feature is that former trainees – the so-called apprentice mentors – meet with young people on their own terms, presenting both the theory and practice of their professional education.

Against the backdrop of an already noticeable shortage of skilled workers, Kuraray sees in I AM MINT an excellent opportunity for qualified young people to get to know and exchange ideas with each other and at an early stage. "At the end of the school year students are often uncertain of the vocation they want to learn," says Susan Kolac-Lang from Human Resources at Kuraray, based on her many years of experience. The I AM MINT project starts at exactly that point and supports young people in their career choice.

Delving into the Practice for two days
At Kuraray, a comprehensive two-day program awaits the scientifically interested pupils. On Day 1 they are given insights into the firm during a company visit, accompanied by their apprentice mentors and Susan Kolac-Lang. On Day 2 the mentors come to the school and, in addition to the company, present their own occupations. In order to keep in touch afterwards, interested students can connect with their mentors via the I AM Mint Facebook page.
 
The apprentice mentors also get something out of the MINT project: They are trained in a 2-day workshop on how to make presentations, deal with groups, and how to post something on the I AM MINT Facebook page.

Getting in touch with companies early
"I AM MINT fits well into our professional orientation concept", explains Melanie Schmidt, director of the 7th and 8th grades at the Herder School. On the one hand, the school's project offers an opportunity to establish lasting contacts with companies in the region. On the other, those gifted in mathematics and natural sciences have the opportunity to gain an impression of the professions in practice. "With the apprentices' mentors, our students receive a contact person who speaks their language. We like that very much”, adds the teacher.

The activities are expected to start in February 2017.


About Kuraray:
The Kuraray Group is an expanding, stock exchange listed specialty chemicals company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with around 10,000 employees and annual sales of over EUR 4 billion. Kuraray Europe GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary headquartered in Hattersheim am Main and has around 800 employees. Kuraray is one of the largest suppliers of polymers and synthetic microfibers and an international leader in the development and use of innovative high-performance materials for many industries.
www.kuraray.eu

About IGS Herder:
The IGS Herder, a certified "school of culture", is an integrated, comprehensive school offering all-day classes in Frankfurt’s Ostend (East End) district, currently holding 24 classes with over 590 students.
www.igs-herder.de

About I AM MINT:
The I AM MINT project aims at inspiring young people towards a career in the field of "Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Technology" (MINT) and is spearheaded throughout the state of Hessen’s by the ‘SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT’ labor union.
www.iammint.de

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Here’s to a good partnership! Melanie Schmidt (7/8th grade director at the Herder School, left) and Susan Kolac-Lang (Kuraray, Human Resources, right) are pleased to announce the cooperation between Kuraray and IGS Herder as part of the I AM MINT project.

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