28 August 2024
Tekniksprånget contributes with LTU benefits
A new round of Tekniksprånget is now underway. Ten young people will learn more about the engineering profession, research and be inspired to higher studies. “They are usually incredibly committed and inventive,” says Erik Nyberg, Senior Lecturer in Machine Elements and supervisor of the Technology Leap trainees.
The Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics has many years of experience in hosting interns from Tekniksprånget. The interns get an insight into the world of research while contributing to the university's activities in a meaningful way. For four months, they get to know the university and solve practical tasks that are both interesting and challenging.
“A good task can take many forms. Ideally, the interns should be able to independently drive it forward while contributing positively to LTU's activities, whether it is in education, research, or collaboration. The trainees are often very driven and curious and come very far with those qualities,” says Erik Nyberg.
What the interns choose to immerse themselves in depends on their own interest and prior knowledge, and what projects and challenges the department has at the moment. Over the years, the interns have, for example, mapped lab environments in Virtual Reality, made models to study electrical discharges in ball bearings, and created mechanical designs using CAD and 3D printers.
“I try to teach them that they should try until they get stuck. We reflect together on why they got stuck, adjust the method or get better resources, and then they try again,” says Erik Nyberg.
“The trainees are incredibly committed and inventive. When they find something that matches their interest, they usually exceed all expectations.”
Apart from getting tasks done, what are the benefits of taking on a technology trainee?
“They do a great job with communication, both internally within the university and externally with students and partners. They also help us researchers to get to know each other. Several times, the technology leapers have connected me with researchers they met through their internal study visits.”
Are there challenges?
“Yes, it is a challenge to create a self-sustaining culture with minimal supervision where the trainees have fun and at the same time contribute with benefits to LTU's activities. We rarely give them routine tasks that they can do right away, most tasks require prior knowledge that we do not have time to go through during the internship. The challenge is therefore to create an environment where they can find tasks that match their individual interests and conditions.”
What is Tekniksprånget?
Tekniksprånget is a paid internship program. The aim is to motivate more young people to apply for higher technical education. Through internships, they gain insight into what an engineer works with and a goal for their studies. The program is carried out every semester and is organized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
92% of participants continue their studies after completing the internship, and 89% of them choose a degree in engineering or science.
Would you like to host a trainee?
Contact Emma Videhult Lagerstedt
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