HTL Leonding Champions Mental Health and Empowerment in Technical Education

HTL Leonding, a technical school with about 1,200 students where 20% are girls, has made mental health a central pillar of its educational approach. Director Richard Kainerstorfer and women's representative Prof. Cornelia Mader emphasize that mental health is integrated as part of the school’s mission rather than treated as an extra task. The school fosters a welcoming environment with comfortable learning areas and more than 1,500 computer workstations dedicated to technical training.

The school's Mental Health Support Team, staffed by committed teachers working alongside healthcare professionals, offers immediate help for issues such as stress, anxiety, and bullying. To build resilience and self-confidence, workshops on mental health, anti-bias training, and empowerment are embedded in the curriculum. Kainerstorfer advocates innovative education methods, replacing traditional homework with personal discussions similar to employee evaluations, preparing students for real-world professional challenges.

HTL Leonding also promotes gender-specific support through networking and empowerment initiatives for its female students. The integration of artificial intelligence into the curriculum is positioned positively, equipping students for future job markets. Collaboration with local businesses provides mentorship and practical training opportunities, enriching student experience. Dr. Martina Gaisch highlights ongoing training and support for educators as crucial to further embedding mental health practices in the school environment.

This holistic approach underscores HTL Leonding’s dedication to mental wellbeing as a success factor in technical education.