Minden. When the bass and brass instruments start playing in the Schaumburg region and the first dancing couples begin spinning energetically in a circle, it usually takes only a few measures of music until even inexperienced guests also get into the swing.
The women’s red skirts - they’re called “Rotrockfrauen” here - sway in time to the music, and their elaborately beaded bonnets sparkle in the sunlight—and anyone dancing along in the traditional costume carousel for the first time quickly realizes: This is more than just folkloric stuff. It is a living community, sustained by organizations that would have ceased long ago without the dedication of volunteers.
MINDA Cares: Volunteer work is encouraged
This is exactly where the “MINDA Cares” support program from the industrial plant manufacturer MINDA based in Minden comes in. Since 2018, the specialist in intralogistics, plant engineering, and conveyor technology has been providing targeted support for projects in which its own employees volunteer - ranging from preserving traditional costumes to children’s sports and tutoring. Each year, the management allocates a fixed budget; only projects in which employees themselves are active as volunteers in the respective organization may be proposed. This ensures that the money goes to those places where MINDA employees are already taking responsibility in their free time.
MINDA Cares supports these projects in 2026
Now in its 55th year, the Local History and Traditional Costume Association of Cammer and especially its children's traditional costume group is a very popular gathering place for the community. Here, traditions are celebrated not only during the May and the Harvest Festival. MINDA's support helped with the purchase of traditional costumes, especially for young members. After all, no traditional dance without the right traditional costume; without the next generation, there is no future for this unifying tradition in Schaumburg.
The marching band of the Sielhorst Shooting Club also provides early musical education for children ages eight and up. The new wooden percussion instruments should be a big help in combination with the newly purchased T-shirts which will soon be worn to create a uniform look during performances.
In addition, the U18 girls’ basketball team from TV Bergkrug was delighted to receive new jerseys, and the SV Warmsen was able to keep the participation fees for its large children’s and youth camp more affordable thanks to MINDA’s funding.
For many years now, there has been a growing commitment to the Math Café at the Baerenkaempen Community Center. For this purpose, new learning materials were purchased for the free tutoring in math and German. After all, education is the key to a future-proof career. And who would know that better than a company that opens opportunities for many young people?
Apprenticeships at MINDA: Young Talents with a Bright Future
This social commitment continues in the company’s own efforts to develop young talents. Currently, MINDA Minden is training approximately 30 apprentices, 5 bachelor’s students, 2 master’s students, and 1 additional master’s student who is writing his thesis. The options are apprenticeships in electronics, IT Specialist for application development and system integration, industrial business administration, construction mechanics, technical product design, and technical systems planning.
For the new class, the start of the apprenticeship 2026 was all about getting to know one another: In creative interviews, apprentices and dual-track students introduced themselves to one another, and during "speed dating," they quickly struck up conversations with their instructors. One special part of the program was writing a letter to the future self, in which everyone captured their first impressions and expectations. This letter will remain sealed until the end of the apprenticeship - only then will it be opened, thus creating a very personal memento of the first day. Anyone who would like to get an impression of the company before applying for an apprenticeship can do so by completing an internship at MINDA.
MINDA and the Bielefeld University: Working Together for the Next Generation
Skilled workers who have completed their apprenticeship can advance to become senior technicians or construction site managers through the internal “MINDA XCELLENT” program. College graduates with degrees in electrical engineering will find a structured entry path in the “MINDA TrainEE” program with sequential practical training phases.
This youth development program is closely integrated with the Minden Campus of the Bielefeld University: In the practice-integrated bachelor’s programs in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering, as well as in the master’s program in Integrated Technology and Systems Development (ITSE), companies and the university have been collaborating for years -MINDA even contributes to the funding of an ITSE professorship.
Active Together: MINDA during Sports, and CITY CYCLING
The team spirit doesn't end at the factory gate: During CITY CYCLING, 44 MINDA employees in Minden - more than ever before - pedaled a total of nearly 10,000 kilometers; the Schaumburg team also participated with 12 colleagues. And on the 50th Fun Run in Minden MINDA took part in August 2026 with 13 runners competing in races ranging from 5.6 to 21 kilometers - including loud cheering and a relaxed celebration at the finish line.
Whether in a traditional costume, with tools in hand, or on a bike seat: At MINDA, social commitment manifests in many forms—and always together.
