Opening of the vocational schools in Rzeszów to the job market

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The project’s greatest advantage was providing additional equipment, in consultation with employers, for 60 school labs and workshops at 16 school complexes and vocational training institutions in Rzeszów - said Adam Kunior, the Deputy Director of the Education Department at the Rzeszów City Hall. The introduction of new technologies into the education system has not only improved the quality of education, but also made it possible to adjust it to the job market requirements. Young people learn by using modern equipment, which is in the possession of their future employers. Thanks to this, when finishing their schools, they will be ready to work in the local enterprises straightaway.

Another extremely important element of the project has been the improvement of practical skills and professional qualifications. Over a period of three years, 1,501 students completed specialist courses or training, and 1,552 students completed training or summer paid internships at the local enterprises.

Upon finishing school, the students are more competitive on the labour market, as they can offer competence going beyond the curriculum. Paid internships at the local enterprises, in turn, enabled them to verify their knowledge and put their skills into practice,’ said Eugeniusz Bury, the Deputy Head of the Technical Education School Complex in Rzeszów.

Some of the students took advantage of both options.

Some of the courses, e.g. advanced operation of graphics software and advertising photography software, such as 3ds Max, Corel or Photoshop, are very expensive, and they were offered free of charge as part of the project. After completing a course, each participant received a certificate, which is also recognised abroad - added Eugeniusz Bury. Moreover, the project has contributed to improving the professional qualifications of almost 200 teachers from the schools in Rzeszów, who completed postgraduate studies and received supplementary training.

As part of the project, a platform for cooperation of education and business was established. Employers place job advertisements here, and students can respond to these advertisements and offer their services.