A conference entitled “Smarter: How to Teach and Train for the Economy” was held in Bolesławiec, attended by Minister of National Education Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska and Deputy Minister of Economy Ilona Antoniszyn-Klik. The meeting was attended by the presidents of three special economic zones, including Barbara Kaśnikowska, president of WSSE “INVEST-PARK”, and Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Cezary Przybylski, Bolesławiec County Head Dariusz Kwaśniewski and Mayor of Bolesławiec Piotr Roman. Also attending the conference were Senator of the Republic of Poland Jan Michalik and president of the Lower Silesian Chamber of Crafts Zbigniew Ładziński.
During the conference, the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone “INVEST in EDU” Educational Cluster was established.
“Vocational education makes sense only when employers want to hire students who have completed internships with them,” Joanna Klizuik-Rostkowskasaid at the meeting. “We have managed to encourage companies to cooperate with vocational schools; dedicated funding is available and there are willing partners. This school year, 6% more lower-secondary school students chose technical and vocational schools than last year.”
The presidents of the special economic zones presented methods of cooperation between companies and schools already introduced in Legnica and Wałbrzych. Vocational and technical school students are offered vocational placements, internships, competitions and scholarships for the best students; school workshops are also being equipped. Barbara Kaśnikowska, president of WSSE “INVEST-PARK”, announced that more than 2,500 new people would be hired in the zone. The occupations needed include mechanics, mechatronics technicians and machine operators. She also announced cooperation with schools in Bolesławiec.
At a press conference, Kluzik-Rostkowska said that PLN 5,000 per year was provided from the state budget for each student trainee. The money would go to the employer.
“Companies want trainees and give them a 100% guarantee of employment,” said Deputy Minister Ilona Antoniszyn-Klik. “Employers are competing for qualified workers, and the only problem is that the best ones leave for other countries or companies,” added the Deputy Minister of Economy.
