Melexis encourages STEM initiatives for engineers and technicians of the future
Melexis employees take on the role of “Technology Mentors” for 5- to 18-year-olds
Mechelen, Tessenderlo, 16 November 2016 - As a technology company, Melexis is seeing an ever-increasing demand for science and technology profiles, which are in noticeably short supply in 2016. “For the future of our society, it’s important to get boys and girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from a young age. As a company, Melexis wants to play a leading role in encouraging children and young people to pick one of these challenging and socially relevant fields of study,” explains Françoise Chombar, CEO of Melexis. To support this goal, Melexis has begun supporting the STEM academy network, coordinated by Technopolis®. The organization works with 5- to 18-year-olds on science and technology projects outside school hours and during holidays. Chombar is also the chair of the STEM platform, an independent group of experts who advise the STEM steering group and the Flemish government on the STEM action plan.
An increasing need for scientific and technical profiles
As a technology company, Melexis is seeing an ever-increasing demand for science and technology profiles, which are difficult to find today. However, the supply of such employees is essential for the future of our digital economy. What’s more, STEM concerns everyone, because these are societal challenges: from energy to health and food security, from sustainable mobility to refining a care robot.
A dedicated team at Melexis is responsible for preparing various initiatives, both internally and externally. Melexis is working with the STEM academy which is coordinated by Technopolis® to support initiatives that provide education in areas such as woodwork technology, electronics and electricity, and robotics. The STEM academy network is aimed at children and young people from the age of 5 to 18.
Melexis provides the STEM academy network with financial support via a ‘technology bonus’. During working hours, the company also offers its employees the chance to act as a ‘technology mentor’ and share their knowledge at the various academies in Flanders. Melexis is committed to bringing STEM to the forefront whenever possible: this year Saint Nicholas will give STEM gifts to employees’ children.
At the moment, the main focus of STEM activities organised by Melexis is in Belgium, but the aim is to also roll out STEM in the other countries where Melexis operates. Kyiv has already begun: Melexis has recently set up its first Ukrainian STEM project in the capital city.
Stephane Berghmans, Managing Director of Technopolis® is very pleased: "There are already various partnerships between STEM academies and companies, but Melexis is the first company to also support the STEM academy financially. This is undoubtedly a positive development that is testimony to great societal commitment and a targeted long-term vision."
Read more about how Melexis is committed to bringing STEM to the forefront whenever possible.