Professional experience for children: a new approach in Lower Austria

Professional experience for children: a new approach in Lower Austria

In an innovative initiative, the painters from Lower Austria together published a children's book that aims to inspire young readers for the painter's profession. This measure was presented on October 8, 2024 and is intended to encourage children to deal with various job profiles at an early stage. The presentation took place in the presence of educational councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister and Lower Austria State guild master Jürgen Kreibich, both of whom underlined the importance of this action.

The event not only serves to take care of the career, but also to promote creative career wishes among the children. According to Kreibich, the children's book shows in a playful way what it means to be a painter, and at the same time conveys knowledge of materials and techniques that are used in this craft. This not only arouses curiosity, but also created an understanding of the skills that are needed in the workshop and in daily work.

A look behind the scenes

The children's book is specially designed for the target group of five to ten years, whereby the illustrations and the simple language style contribute to the fact that the content remains clear and understandable. The authors have taken care that the information is prepared for children so that they can be used both in class and at home.

The entire action is part of a larger concept that aims at a positive perception of craftsmanship. Teschl-Hofmeister emphasizes how important it is that children get to know different professional fields at a young age. Such projects laid the foundation for future training decisions. The educational councilor appeals to parents and teachers to use the book as a tool for discussion about professional orientation and actively involve children.

The relevance of this initiative can also be seen in the current discussion about the shortage of skilled workers in craftsmanship. Craft businesses are desperately looking for offspring, and an early examination of the professions could be an advantage here. In addition to the children's book, further actions, such as workshops and school visits, are planned to create direct access to the professional world.