President of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament visits HARTING

As part of the series "Landtag macht Schule", André Kuper, President of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, also visited HARTING. At the technology group, Kuper got an exclusive overview of artistic works that fourth-graders have submitted for the HARTING Researcher Award 2026. Margrit Harting emphasized how relevant craftsmanship is, especially in times of artificial intelligence (AI).

During his visit to Espelkamp's primary schools and clubs, Kuper underlined how important democracy is and how the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia contributes to it. At HARTING’s training centre NAZHA, the focus was also on how business can accompany students on their learning path. "Basic skills such as handling of tools and materials are often no longer taught at home or at school," Kuper said. "That's why projects like KiTec in Espelkamp are so important. Projects like this should be done in every city."

The HARTING Technology Group has always attached great importance to skilled trades. "Children are as diverse as their talents and abilities," says Board Member Margrit Harting. "Especially in times of AI, craftsmanship simply remains irreplaceable."

Together with Dr. Henning Vieker, mayor of the city of Espelkamp, the group examined some of the works that the students have built in recent months as part of the "Kinder entdecken Technik" (KiTec) project. At the beginning of July, a jury will then award the HARTING Researcher Award 2026 for the three best works and the most comprehensive project documentation.