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Companies’ fruitless search for graduates with technical degrees
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Haló noviny, 5.12.2009 Page: 5
Column: COMMENTARIES, VIEWS, POLEMICS
Author: František ŠLAJCHRT
A while ago some dailies brought optimistic reports that interest is rising in the study of technical fields at secondary schools and universities. Experts ascribe the increased interest in technical fields to various recruitment events organised by private companies and the initiatives of some regions. Some companies have recently decided to deal with the low interest in technical fields themselves. I present one direct example: LINET, an entirely Czech company and a leading manufacturer of hospital and nursing beds as well as medical furniture, began to provide long-term financial and professional support for pupils from some vocational and technical schools in the Central Bohemian Region. LINET gained money from the European Social Fund and the state budget for the “S Programme” project which was launched in February 2009. It will, in cooperation with teachers of vocational training at the partnership schools, provide skilled training for pupils of selected fields in the company’s operations and in its specially built training workplace. It will then offer employment to the students who have successfully completed the course. Apart from gaining professional experience, an interesting motivating programme will be prepared for students who will be able by their performance, study and attendance to affect the level of their remuneration. The apprentices will receive free subsidised meals, working clothes and other aids during their training. About 30 pupils will participate in the project.
Thanks to the technologies it applies, LINET is one of the best equipped workplaces in the region. Pupils will already get the chance to experience the best working facilities during their studies. The company has been cooperating with secondary schools for a long time – it endeavours to increase the prestige of technical fields. It also motivates secondary school pupils, organises regular excursions for teachers and pupils. LINET also works with the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague.
It will be a very difficult task to restore the technical fame of Czech manual skills and minds, but not an impossible one. The most important thing for changing the current situation is to stress the need not only of teaching technical subjects at secondary but also at primary schools. Those youngsters interested in technology have to be found and supported in every which way.
(5.12.2009)