Training and vocational education
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to focus on three elements that I consider fundamental to the topic at hand. First is close, systemic, and institutional cooperation between vocational schools and enterprises. In my region – Opole, Poland – we have established 54 school-based information and career centers.
These serve as showcases for regional companies and as places to gain knowledge about running one’s own business. Another key element is the proper preparation of educators and career counselors in schools, as well as staff within enterprises. Employers must be aware of their role and prepared to designate employees responsible for supervising interns.
A third, very important aspect is student contact with local entrepreneurs at the earliest possible stage – even in primary school, before an educational path is chosen. When employers see a knowledgeable and open partner, they become engaged in the educational process. The European Social Fund Plus plays a significant role here.
This ranges from funding internships and educational exchanges to building and equipping workshops. I would like to draw the European Commission’s attention to the need – when planning the new cohesion policy – to ensure the greatest and broadest possible cross-financing for the ESF+. Thank you very much.