Sparking young people’s interest in industry and encouraging new blood in technical fields – these are the aims of the Tec2You initiative.

The youth initiative was established in 2007, at the instigation of Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Federation of German Industries (BDI), Deutsche Messe AG and the ‘Germany – Land of Ideas’ place-branding initiative responded by teaming up with numerous partners to establish a joint action platform for co-operations between schools, business and the science community, under the patronage of Annette Schavan, then Federal Minister of Education and Research.

Since 2007, Tec2You has been a central hub for the next generation at the ‘HannoverMesse’ trade fair. An information and activity programme tailored specially to young adults shows school students and first-year university students the fun side of technical careers.

When faced with career decisions, many people often lack proper knowledge of the education options available to them. The young visitors get up close and personal with the technology industry through various workshops, seminars and guided tours to the highlights of the trade fair. Competitions and hands-on activities give them a chance to forge initial contacts with companies.

With 6,000 industrial businesses represented, the ‘HannoverMesse’ trade fair in Lower Saxony’s capital is the best place to discover the whole wide world of technology. Accordingly, it attracts entire school groups from all over Germany. The Tec2You package designed especially for school groups provides assistance. The group is assigned two all-day contact persons to help with orientation, provide information on the companies, and guide the students through the trade fair halls. By offering financial support, Tec2You package sponsors help introduce interested students and potential young workers to technical careers in general and their company in particular. New sponsors wanting to support school groups with a school package are more than welcome. For information on the programme, sponsorship and registration, visit the Tec2You website. Tec2You creates benefits for everyone involved: final-year school students receive specific guidance on their career prospects in the technical fields, while businesses can present themselves to the next generation as an attractive employer.