PALFINGER INSPIRES THE FEMALE TECHNICIANS OF TOMORROW

PALFINGER once again sends out a clear message on choosing a career and equal opportunities. Girls visited PALFINGER World and the PALFINGER Campus in Lengau to experience technology firsthand and broaden their perspectives. This is how the company is laying an important cornerstone for the skilled workers of tomorrow while breaking down gender stereotypes over the long term.

On April 23, 2026, PALFINGER opened its doors in Lengau for two initiatives: Girls' Day and the tenth anniversary of the “Start life with curiosity” (Neugierig ins Leben) event series. Both programs aim to get girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (the STEM subjects) at an early stage.

Experiencing technology, discovering the future

During Girls' Day, participants aged 12 to 14 were given real-life insights into the various technical career paths at PALFINGER. They were able to try out things for themselves, such as bolting and riveting their own storage box, and experience how diverse and exciting STEM jobs can be. This event sees PALFINGER provide hands-on access to technical working environments and encourage an open, natural approach to technology.

Having direct contact with practical work, products and employees, the participants were able to discover their own abilities and see what opportunities a career in a technical field can provide. PALFINGER offers girls a technical focus at a young age to open up new perspectives in their choice of education.

Ten years of “Start life with curiosity”: Diversity starts at kindergarten age

The tenth anniversary of the “Start life with curiosity” initiative was a special highlight. As a founding member, PALFINGER has been involved since the beginning in supporting this program, which gives children aged six and over insights into different professional worlds in a playful way. The aim is to promote diversity and equal opportunities at an early age to break away from role model stereotypes over the long term.

35 girls from the kindergartens in Neumarkt and Sighartstein visited the PALFINGER location in Lengau as part of the anniversary. An inviting, child-friendly program encouraged the kids to try out and discover new things. Whether it was completing a puzzle depicting one of the products, operating a model of a loader crane, controlling a crane on a truck, riding on an aerial work platform, or testing VR glasses, the girls were able to experience technology and different types of jobs in a fun way and to freely discover their interests and abilities.

Diversity is the success factor

“For many girls, technical careers are still not an obvious choice, and access is often limited. That is why we provide insights at an early age and positive experiences with technology. We encourage girls to develop their talents and to go their own way. With initiatives such as Girls' Day and 'Start life with curiosity,' we are highlighting a wide range of career opportunities and helping to move beyond traditional role models,” says Maria Koller, CHRO at PALFINGER.

For PALFINGER, promoting diversity and equal opportunities is an essential part of the company’s Strategy 2030+. By providing early career focus, the company not only strengthens the individual development of young people, but it also strengthens its position as an attractive employer for the next generation of qualified specialists.

Promoting STEM subjects right from the start

For several years, PALFINGER has been committed to promoting STEM subjects starting at an early age, right along the education chain. One example of this is “Sleuths corner” (Spürnasenecke), which has introduced research and experimentation to everyday life in kindergarten. In addition to providing specially developed furniture and research equipment, the program includes hosting regular training courses and network meetings, at which teachers from various kindergartens exchange ideas. As a sponsor and host, PALFINGER is supporting the next “Sleuths corner” network meeting on July 1 in Lengau.