Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to focus on three elements that I believe are fundamental to this topic. First – close, systemic, and institutional cooperation between vocational schools and businesses. In my region of Opole, we have created 54 school-based information and career centres. These serve as showcases for regional companies places to learn about running one’s own business.
Another key element is properly preparing teachers and career advisors in schools, as well as staff within companies. Employers must be aware of their role and ready to delegate employees who will be responsible for mentoring interns.
The third, very important aspect is connecting students with local businesses at the earliest possible stage even in primary school, before they choose their educational path. Employers, seeing a substantive and open partner, become engaged in the educational process. The European Social Fund Plus plays an essential role here, from financing internships and educational exchanges to building and equipping training workshops.
I wanted to draw the European Commission’s attention here to the need to ensure the broadest possible cross-financing for ESF+ when planning the new cohesion policy.