This year, LieberLieber invited six interns for an introduction to the basics of software development and initial contact with modelling. The young people were impressed by how quickly they were able to complete practical tasks and the freedom they had when choosing tasks.
This time, the young people came to LieberLieber through personal contacts and the FFG Talent Exchange and had very different previous experience (AHS, HAK, HTL). This resulted in a colourful group that complemented each other very well in the practical work. Company founder and owner Peter Lieber: ‘The topic of software is everywhere these days and young people’s interest in it is also growing. Model-based software and system development is a very specific area, but one that is becoming more and more widespread due to the increasing complexity of technical development. We therefore give young people an initial insight into various programming languages and our Enterprise Architect modelling platform. They can then try out what they have learnt in practical projects and develop it further, for example by controlling a model car.’
It’s easier to learn in a group
At the traditional final presentation, the young people (Andre + Julian, HAK – Benjamin + David, HTL – Hannah + Laurenz, AHS) gave an insight into the theory and practice of their work. Certain tasks were predefined and could also be expanded and extended if interested. The practical work was based on simple Raspberry computers, which were ultimately used to control the vehicles. Soldering, which is an essential part of working with electronic components, was not forgotten. If a component fails in a circuit, for example, it should not be a problem to solder in the replacement component yourself.
As part of the project, the group created their own homepage and worked with HTML, PHP, CSS and JavaScript. When working with software, everyone realised how easy it is for errors to creep in (such as a superfluous space). When troubleshooting, it was usually very helpful to ask the group about similar experiences and thus receive important tips on possible solutions. Of course, the first steps in using the Enterprise Architect modelling platform from Sparx Systems were also included.
Practical implementation is important
A remote-controlled model car served as the main practical task for implementing what had been learnt. Its individual parts (cables, sensors, motors, etc.) were first tested and then assembled. The model car, which also drives autonomously, was equipped with sensors and individually controlled wheels. It orientates itself with the help of sensors and cameras, C languages and Python were used for programming.
The conclusion of the six interns was very positive, as they were able to work on real projects. Some of them definitely want to continue working in software development, but their first priority is to graduate from school. ‘In the few weeks of an internship, it is particularly important to awaken and strengthen interest in the subject. We manage to do this very well every year thanks to the good combination of theory and practice. This gives the young people a positive impression and, building on this, they can consider whether they want to enter the world of model-based software and system development,’ summarises Lieber.
Sustainability as an essential addition
Sustainability is an important concern for company founder Peter Lieber. In addition to the technical focus of the internship, there was therefore a day in cooperation with Ursula Oberhollenzer, Secretary General of the CSR Dialogue Forum, where the group dealt with sustainability, primarily on the basis of the SDGs (17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations). The practical exercise focussed on the topic of food (what do I have on my plate and how are the global goals related to this?).