‘Girl GO Technology’ means breaking out of the bubble
It’s cliche to state nowadays that women can do anything since girls now have access to the same opportunities as boys. But having chances when we are aware of them is one thing; having our experience and background lock us into a bubble where other viewpoints are hidden is quite another and often more common. This is the challenge that Mercedes – Benz faces every year with the ‘Girls GO Technology’ campaign, the fifth edition of which is now behind us.
They want to work in the beauty industry when they start – because that seems to be the only way. Then they gain knowledge and experience and change their minds. They think about science subjects at university and working in a profession previously perceived as masculine.
Already 100 girls from the Jawor area got familiar with the technology with Mercedes, and in the last program edition, which culminated in March. All of them, no matter what future they choose, have gained a competitive edge among their female peers in the job market thanks to their participation in the ‘Girls GO Technology’ initiative.
Aidar Solutions team, as a partner of the programme, had the opportunity to accompany the girls, together with representatives of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland, to introduce them to the topics of Industry 4.0, cyber security, 3D Printing, as well as to support them in creating their first professional CV.
Nearly 50% of the Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland workforce is female. Thanks to a visit to the Mercedes-Benz factory in Jawor on the 8th of March, the participants of ‘Girls GO Technology’ saw that what they were learning at the workshop was not theory, but everyday life at an Industry 4.0 plant. A record number of girls – as many as 35 – took part in this edition to expand their knowledge of technology and completed the program successfully. These girls have gained self-confidence, courage, and curiosity about the world.
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland also cares about the female graduates of the programme. In November 2022, it invited them to a meeting as part of the Girls GO Technology Academy, during which they recalled their experiences in the project and told their younger colleagues how their lives had turned out. They also participated in workshops to strengthen them as conscious employees in the current market.
A survey of female graduates from the four editions showed that two-thirds of the participants, most of whom rated their knowledge of new technologies as ‘low’ before joining the programme, rated it as ‘high’ or even ‘very high’ after the workshops. Many want to continue their studies after high school, although they had no plans to do so before. Our sincere congratulations to the participants and our thanks to the organizer for this valuable and wonderful experience.
