The wissenswerkstatt Passau was founded by regional companies to introduce children and young people to technical topics. The aim is to arouse young people's interest in technology and science at an early stage and to provide them with long-term professional and personal perspectives. For years, AKE has been a supporter of this great facility.

In June 2012, representatives of ZF, the city and district of Passau, the Bavarian metal and electrical employers' associations and the University of Passau founded the non-profit association "wissenswerkstatt Passau e.V.".

Gernot Hein, chairman of the sponsoring association, is enthusiastic about the support of the regional companies: "We are very pleased that regional companies are supporting the project, which shows that the offer of the wissenswerkstatt is appreciated." It is also very important to the AKE Managing Directors that students are interested in technology at an early stage. That is why AKE has been supporting the wissenwerkstatt with donations for years. This year, we will provide the facility with 3,000 euros once more.

The AKE managing directors Bernhard König and Boris Schneidhuber were guests at the wissenswerkstatt to personally hand over the donation check and to inform themselves about the new developments on site. During the visit, the AKE directors were led through the premises. They caught a glimpse into a room where boys and girls were engrossed in their project. Some worked diligently on their work, others took tips from the tutors of the wissenswerkstatt. The AKE managers were also enthusiastic about the large room, which is set up as a workshop. There are many workplaces with workbenches where the children can do handicraft work.

In the wissenswerkstatt, DIY is in the foreground. With their courses, the facility is therefore the ideal complement to the school curriculum with regard to practical content. Children and adolescents should be opened their eyes, which enthusiasm technology can trigger, if you have tinkered with it. A highlight for the boys and girls - after the course they are allowed to take their self-made work home with them.

Since its opening in 2013, the wissenswerkstatt has enjoyed great popularity with schools as well as with private participants. We are sure that this facility will continue to spark interest in technology among many children and adolescents. As a mechanical engineering company, we are looking for trainees in various technical directions every year and we are pleased that the wissenwerkstatt has the opportunity to get the next generation excited about it at an early stage.