One of the main aims of the MOTOR JIKOV GROUP, the South-Bohemian engineering and foundry holding, is to raise children’s interest in technology and in studying technical fields. “We have a sophisticated four-level support system of technical education starting in kindergarten, going through all levels of education and finishing with “fresh” graduates of vocational schools, high schools or universities joining our company. Openness to all applicants and a scholarship support of talents have been important elements”, explained Miroslav Dvořák, the general director of MOTOR JIKOV Group.
Jan Mládek, the Minister of Industry and Trade has recently honoured the support of technical education by awarding a certificate for outstanding support to a school and company partnership programme based on implementing the IQ Industry and POSPOLU projects that are dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of Czech industry. Members of Employers’ Association of the Czech Republic nominated the technical education support system for an HR Award.
Cooperation with high schools and vocational schools is the core part of the system. This cooperation is possible due to company training centres in České Budějovice and Soběslav. They have been in operation for six years and they annually prepare over 140 trainees and students in the fields of tool making, metal machining, locksmithery and machine-setting, which is a graduation subject. “We always prepare the whole class for the labour market and with our responsible approach we help increase the quality of technical school graduates. Supervisors select the most skilful trainees and students during the training, who we involve in the scholarship program. We have invested over two million Czech Crowns over the last four years in this programme,“ said Věra Vrchotová, the HR Director of MOTOR JIKOV Group about the project. The training centres have separate premises equipped with the latest machinery and professional staff supervisors who work with the students full time.
Cooperation between the holding and the Special Training College, the High School of Automotive and Technology in České Budějovice and the Special Training College, High School and Special Training Centre in Sezimovo Ústí is an example of excellent cooperation. Students get professional skills necessary for joining the employment process thanks to the special training in companies of the MOTOR JIKOV GROUP. They are introduced to the corporate environment and receive practical and working habits from a production company. “The company mentors young qualified employees through the professional training and the school receives professional knowledge for their students, which they may not otherwise have adequate resources to provide for their students,“ said Věra Vrchotová when highlighting the main benefits of the successful project. Students of technical fields take the final examination directly in the operational premises of the company.
Participants of the MOTOR JIKOV GROUP scholarship programme have traditionally received a brand-name watch with the company logo from Miroslav Dvořák, the general director of MOTOR JIKOV Group. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship winners have steady jobs in one of the companies of the holding during their studies.
