From the classroom to university: The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) collaboration module between Aachen University of Applied Sciences and Couven High School is launching for the third time. As part of the “Study Before Graduation” program, Couven High School students can complete the CAD internship designed for first-semester college students. Upon successful completion, they not only earn points toward the MINT-EC certificate awarded upon graduation from high school but also receive academic credits from the university for the CAD course. If successfully completed, the course can be recognized as a completed academic requirement should they later pursue a degree in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics.
The students are taught by Josef Schmertz from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics. They learn how to digitally represent ideas and objects in three dimensions—and gain insight into what it’s like to study at a university.
This path does not necessarily have to lead to mechanical engineering. Some are interested in technology, while others, for example, are interested in architecture or biomedical applications. CAD provides a solid foundation for all these fields: Anyone who thinks spatially and wants to digitally represent objects or designs in 3D can benefit from the skills they acquire.
The partnership thus offers not only valuable STEM experience but also guidance for students’ own futures: After all, before a desired field of study becomes a concrete path, it’s worth simply trying things out.
A successful partnership that connects high school and university —and, for the third time, paves the way from an idea to a digital 3D model.
