Niedersachen-Technikum
What is the Niedersachsen-Technikum?
Of course, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT for short) are exciting subjects. But it is not always easy for young women with university entrance qualifications to decide whether studying in this field is the right thing for them. At the Niedersachsen-Technikum, high school graduates find a platform where they can try things out for six months. They also make contact with other female technicians and engineers.
How does the Technikum work?
The Technikum starts on September 1 and ends in February of the following year.
For six months, you can complete a paid internship in a regional company and test your STEM skills four days a week. At the same time, you will take part in taster studies at Osnabrück University or Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences one day a week. There is also a supporting program with a large launch event, course presentations, laboratory visits and company tours. At the end, you will receive an internship certificate from your company and a certificate from the university or college.
How do I apply for the Technikum?
If you would like a non-binding consultation, you can contact us with a brief application:
- Download the application form (PDF, 773 kB) and fill it out. Send the form and your current certificate to j.risse@hs-osnabrueck.de.
- We will arrange an appointment with you. At this appointment, we will discuss your options to find an internship that matches your interests and skills.
- We will then put you in touch with a suitable partner company where you can complete your internship.
We look forward to meeting you!
Your data will be treated with absolute confidentiality. If you do not decide to participate, your data will be destroyed immediately.
Further information
"More than just a good plus point for your CV"
Successful completion of the Niedersachsen Technikum: Eleven participants in the career orientation program for female (technical) high school graduates are starting their STEM future with renewed strength. At the ceremony on February 20, they reported on their experiences in companies and at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and Osnabrück University.
Practical experience in a company, insights into studying and a clear professional orientation: eleven participants have successfully completed the current round of the Niedersachsen Technikum at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and Osnabrück University. Over a period of six months, they worked in regional companies four days a week and attended lectures at Osnabrück universities on one day. The aim of the program is to open up practical prospects in the STEM field for young women and enable them to make well-founded study or career decisions. STEM stands for mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology - occupational fields in which women are still underrepresented in Germany.
"Now I really have the confidence to study engineering."
Rieke Bienert draws a clear conclusion: "The Technikum has given me the confidence to continue on my path in the technical field." After graduating from high school, she didn't want to go straight to university, but first wanted to find out what technical professions actually look like and what requirements they entail.
At her company PURPLAN, she got to know numerous departments - from project planning to the electrical workshop, warehouse logistics and mechanical production through to the design office. There she worked with CAD software and planned components independently. The change from everyday school life to real projects with fixed processes and responsibilities was challenging at first, but helped her to grow: "I learned to approach new things with an open mind, take responsibility and actively ask questions when I was unsure." The insights into the various departments gave Rieke a realistic picture of how varied technical professions can be and the different areas of responsibility: "It was particularly important for me to learn how to quickly familiarize myself with new topics, remain flexible and find my way around different working environments."
At Osnabrück University, Rieke Bienert attended the lecture "Fundamentals of Information Systems" - also a good experience from her point of view: "I gained a better understanding of how information systems work, how data is processed and what role digital processes play in companies." For the 20-year-old, one thing is certain: "A technical degree is now a realistic and motivating prospect for me."
"It was much more than just a plus point for my CV."
Hannah Euler also looks back very positively on the past six months at the Niedersachsen-Technikum. With an interest in computer science at school, she wanted to find out whether both studying and working in this field would suit her - and at the same time deepen her specialist knowledge: "The opportunity to get a qualified internship with close supervision in an uncomplicated way through the technical internship was particularly important to me."
At software service provider basecom, she independently developed a web application: "It's an overview of restaurants in Osnabrück with internal ratings, a favorites function and a decision quiz." To do this, the technician conducted interviews with employees, defined requirements, created the design and technically implemented the application, including the database connection. She went through the entire development process - from the idea to the finished product. In addition to technical skills, Hannah gained self-confidence above all: "Customer meetings, presentations and teamwork gave me insights into operational processes and strengthened my communication skills." The personal atmosphere, new friendships and the feeling of being a fully-fledged team member were particularly valuable for the 18-year-old.
At Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, she took the "Audio and Video Technology" module and wrote both a term paper and a written exam. Hannah Euler's conclusion: "I'm leaving the Technikum with new acquaintances and friendships and lots of new skills. It's much more than just a good plus point for my CV."
Wide range of courses at both universities and eleven cooperating companies
Like Rieke Bienert and Hannah Euler, nine other young women took advantage of the Niedersachsen Technikum to hone their interests, gain practical experience and develop concrete study or training plans. In addition to their paid internships in the eleven cooperating companies, the technicians attended courses from various STEM subject areas such as "Design and Technical Visualization", "Audio and Video Technology", "Fundamentals of Chemistry", "Physical Geography (Solid Earth System)", "Information Systems" and "Laboratory Experiments in Physics". The program also included exchanges with students and teaching staff as well as company and campus visits.
Many paths are now open to the technicians
At the graduation ceremony, the participants reported on their experiences at the Technikum and presented projects that they had worked on independently in their companies. One highlight was the presentation of the graduation certificates: Osnabrück University's Vice President for Equal Opportunities and Sustainability, Professor Dr. Susanne Düchting, and Osnabrück University's Vice President for International Affairs, Diversity and Academic Staff Development, Professor Dr. Andrea Lenschow, jointly congratulated the participants on their success: "You have shown courage, perseverance and curiosity over the past few months. You can be very proud of this. Many paths are now open to you. Take the self-confidence and experience you have gained during this time with you into your future!"
Among the first to offer their congratulations were Maleen Glockzin from the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, the university president and doctor of engineering Professor Dr. Alexander Schmehmann, the coordinator of the career orientation program Johanna Risse, who closely accompanied the class for months and confidently moderated the graduation ceremony, as well as her colleagues Marika Gervens, Judith Bräuer and Svenja Folkerts.
A strong network for 16 years
The Niedersachsen-Technikum has been a successful model project for the promotion of young women in the STEM sector for 16 years. The majority of female graduates subsequently decide to study or train in technical or scientific subjects. The program is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation and the NiedersachsenMetall Foundation. With the successful completion of the year, the Niedersachsen-Technikum is once again sending a strong signal for practical career orientation and the sustainable promotion of young women in the STEM sector.
Background: Cooperating companies of the 2025/26 cycle:
basecom GmbH & Co KG, Emsland Group, Höcker Polytechnik GmbH & Co KG, Kämmerer Spezialpapiere GmbH, Tapetenfabrik Gebr. Rasch GmbH & Co KG, The Plantly Butchers GmbH & Co KG, Schoeller Technocell GmbH & Co KG, Stadtwerke Osnabrück, PURPLAN, Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
Osnabrück, February 23, 2026