The aim of the school events organized by the "Polymernetzwerk" is to inspire students for the so-called MINT subjects (mathematics, engineering and natural sciences, technology) and thus counteract the skill shortage in the region.

The Ruhr area is an extremely attractive region to get started in the subject of Chemistry- a variety of companies with international significance, multiple study and training options and excellent career opportunities and development perspectives are given in the region.

In cooperation with the "Netzwerk Oberfläche NRW" und the university of applied sciences in Gelsenkirchen the students of grade 13 will be given a guide for choosing a career and an insight into the chemical industry.

Two advanced courses in chemistry of the Petrinum and the Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium in Recklinghausen will experience a laboratory day on the university of applied sciences in January. Prof. Dr. Klaus-Uwe Koch is there to offer exciting experiments on the subjects of adhesives.

Based on this informations the students will visit the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg in March. There they will have the opportunitiy to get to know the international trade fair for the paint industry and to develop a personal work package which includes gathering for career choice and personal interviews with companies. As a result, a comprehensive insight into the industry sector is given.

The excursion will be accompanied by a preparatory and a finishing event. In this frame, the students then have the opportunity to clarify specific questions in regard to career choice and to exchange results and experiences.

Further events are planned.