Blog International Panel Discussion: Professionals of the Future

The issue of attracting qualified workers in craft trades. Representatives from authorities, schools, and companies from the Czech Republic and Austria discussed this topic during a panel discussion at the "Vzdělání a řemeslo 2012" exhibition.

"We are organizing this panel discussion as part of the 'Successful Youth' project, which aims to strengthen the connection between the business and educational sectors and motivate young people to study technical fields. Over the two years of the project, we supported the participation of more than 30 schools at the 'Vzdělání a řemeslo' exhibition, conducted numerous professional workshops, competitions, excursions, and two such roundtable discussions," assesses the project's significance Michaela Fouňová from the South Bohemian Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives from schools and companies from the Czech Republic and Austria accepted invitations to the panel discussion. For example, Věra Vrchotová, Director of Human Resources Development at MOTOR JIKOV Group, expressed interest in technical education: "MOTOR JIKOV GROUP is a modern company with modern technologies and needs young, technically educated specialists. That is why we have been supporting projects for years that help motivate young people to study technical fields. Recently, however, we are limited by demographic trends."

The MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s. today has partnerships with a dozen technical schools of various levels. Notable partnerships include VOŠ, SPŠ Automobilní, and the Technical University of České Budějovice.

"Today, schools, in cooperation with partner companies, are literally competing for students. They build modern training centers with up-to-date equipment to attract as many pupils as possible. We all realize the importance and power of mutual cooperation to develop graduates that companies need," says Jan Šindelář, director of VOŠ, SPŠ Automobilní, and the Technical University of České Budějovice, who has been working in education for over 30 years. "The fact that students can do practical training in companies is a great opportunity for schools to see what companies need and adapt their curricula accordingly. I am a strong advocate for further strengthening collaboration between companies and schools."

In both the Czech Republic and Austria, the nine-year compulsory schooling system is in place. In the Czech Republic, up to 96% of pupils continue education at gymnasiums, secondary schools, or conservatories, with only a small portion choosing an apprenticeship program. The so-called dual system in Austria, which was heavily discussed at the roundtable, encourages students after completing elementary school to find a company that will accept them at least for an apprenticeship. The student is officially registered as an apprentice at that company and, depending on the year and profession, attends apprenticeship school for several weeks a year.

Participants agreed that both systems have advantages and disadvantages, and it is beneficial to learn from proven experiences of cross-border partners.