What is the idea behind the IT First Responders program?
Nico: Schools face the challenge of teaching young people essential digital skills. That’s exactly where the EnBW and Netze BW project comes in. Together with the education provider BG 3000, we train students at twelve schools across Baden-Württemberg to become IT First Responders.
Participants receive all the tools they need from our in-house experts to support their teachers and classmates in using digital media. Along the way, they gain valuable hands-on experience that can later help them in internships, apprenticeships, or jobs in the STEM field.
In short: we’re preparing the next generation for the future.
Who can take part, and what can students expect?
Nico: Each camp hosts around 60 students from grades 7 to 10 (ages 14–16). Once the schools have been selected, we set the dates, and interested students can register for one of the 60 spots.
It all starts with a three-day Smart Camp on site, followed by a ten-month digital phase where participants can attend one online deep-dive session per month. During the camp, the students meet experts from EnBW and Netze BW, explore the IT world within the energy sector, and learn about training and career opportunities.
In addition to technical skills, the program also covers socially relevant topics such as cyberbullying, fake news, and IT security. One highlight: the Escape Room “Data Leak,” where participants train cybersecurity skills through play and teamwork.
How did you get involved with the IT First Responders program?
Nico: I actually started out as a working student in Employer Branding, organizing events for our students. I quickly realized I wanted to stay with the team. Since February, I’ve been a full-time member of the Employer Branding department, focusing on school marketing and leading the IT First Responders project.
My tasks include organizing and coordinating the camps in close collaboration with colleagues and our partner BG 3000. I also handle related topics such as the EnBW Parents Newsletter and local press events. In short: I’m responsible for project management around IT First Responders – and proud to be part of such a diverse and future-oriented initiative.
What does a typical camp look like?
Nico: The three-day camp is colorful, hands-on, and full of variety – a mix of IT know-how, teamwork, and fun.
Day 1 starts with an IT quiz and two modules: getting to know hardware (“The Organism IT”) and developing first troubleshooting skills (“Code Error”). A real favorite is the Escape Room “Data Leak,” where students must stop a fictional hacker attack through teamwork.
Day 2 focuses on EnBW and Netze BW: from AR, VR, and robotics to AI prompting, drones, and 3D printing – the students get to experience cutting-edge technologies. There’s also a career orientation module including a digital strengths test. In the afternoon, the LAN party with our apprentices is a real highlight.
An Day 3 shifts focus to topics like fake news, deepfakes, and cyberbullying. In the “Craft your Art” module, participants explore their future role as IT First Responders at their schools. The camp concludes with a certificate ceremony for all participants.
What excites you personally about the project?
Nico: I’m fascinated by how much this project can change for young people. They discover their strengths, try new things, and realize how exciting digitalization can be.
It’s also important to me that we address the darker sides of digital life – topics like cyberbullying or fake news. The program helps raise awareness for these real-world issues. We live in a digital world now, and I’m happy that we can help students navigate it – both professionally and personally.
Why is the program important for attracting future talent?
Nico: This project sparks early enthusiasm for STEM and shows how diverse IT careers can be. It’s not just about recruiting new apprentices right away, but about nurturing curiosity and interest – especially among young women.
When students experience firsthand how practice, innovation, and teamwork come together here, it often opens up completely new perspectives for their own future. The camps build a bridge – from those first “aha moments” to a concrete vision of becoming part of EnBW or Netze BW one day.
Why is political support important?
Nico: Political support raises the importance of digital education to a societal level and makes the project visible. It helps us reach more schools and partners, and it sends a clear message: promoting digital skills is a shared responsibility.
It also creates better conditions for long-term success – so that STEM initiatives like this can be expanded and sustainably anchored in education.
Nico: Stay curious and don’t be afraid to try something new. The world of IT offers countless ways to be creative and solve problems. Challenges are opportunities to grow. And one more thing: networking! Talking to others opens doors and new perspectives.
Nico: Future-oriented. Diverse. And fun’s a must.