On September 29, 2026, approximately 1,400 pupils gathered at the 4th Study and Career Orientation Fair (StuBoB) at the Herzogenrath School Center to learn about their options after high school. Aachen University of Applied Sciences (FH Aachen) was also in attendance, represented by several programs that offered the young people exciting insights into college and the professional world. The Maria-Sibylla-Merian Comprehensive School in Kohlscheid, the Herzogenrath Municipal High School, and the Aachen Urban Region Vocational College North had jointly organized the StuBoB for the fourth time. In addition to pupils from the three host schools, numerous young people from other schools in the region were also in attendance.
Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics: Experience Welding Technology Virtually
A special highlight at the booth of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics from Aachen University of Applied Sciences was the Virtual Welder. The welding simulator allows users to practice welding processes realistically in a virtual environment. Using a special welding torch, movements, angles, and speed during welding can be simulated, while the software immediately evaluates the result. This allowed students not only to learn about technical degree programs but also to get hands-on experience. Numerous visitors took the opportunity to try out the Virtual Welder and tackle a virtual welding task. The hands-on experience proved to be an excellent conversation starter. The Virtual Welder sparked many interesting discussions about technology, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and the diverse career prospects offered by a technical degree program.
The dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Prof. Dr. Kristian Arntz, was also on site and answered questions from the students during a panel discussion. This made college orientation a tangible experience in the truest sense of the word.
FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences on Site with a Wide Range of Degree Programs
In addition to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences was also represented by the General Student Advising Office and the dual study programs, and was able to present the students with a broad spectrum of options for their future educational and career paths. Overall, the event offered an excellent opportunity to establish initial contacts with universities, companies, and other institutions, ask questions about their professional futures, and learn about different perspectives.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizers of StuBoB, all FH representatives on site, and especially to Andreas Vollmann from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics for the successful demonstration of the Virtual Welder.
