New cross-border project opens the way to dual vocational training
In January 2025, three educational institutions launched another cross-border initiative implemented thanks to the EU Operational Programme Interreg Czech Republic – Saxony 2021-2027. The project entitled “Vocationally oriented studies in the border region” brings together the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences of the J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, in the role of main coordinators, the Technical University of Liberec and the Berufsakademie Sachsen (Vocational Academy of Saxony).
The German partner brings to the project its long-standing experience in successful dual education, which closely links studies at university with work experience in a specific company. This approach is still lacking in our country, but the implementation of so-called vocationally oriented study programmes that effectively link studies with practical experience with potential employers is increasingly supported. This model is beneficial not only for companies but also for future graduates.
“Our main priority is to show how theory can be effectively combined with practice, thus creating conditions for education that meets the needs of the region and employers,” says Ing. Petr Lauterbach, project manager. “The experience from the German side is extremely inspiring for us and we believe that this project will contribute to the modernisation and improvement of the education system in the border region.”
The project will include a number of activities involving not only academics but also students. Planned activities include multi-day thematic workshops, visits to companies, cooperation with secondary schools and public administration institutions. The project partners will exchange experiences across the border, including by interviewing business executives, HR managers and business support institutions on both sides of the border.
“We are very pleased to be able to build on the long-standing efforts of the now deceased Prof. Jiřina Jílková, former Vice-Rector of UJEP, who paid considerable attention to the topic of dual education and supported cooperation with German partners,” adds Ing. Lauterbach.
The cross-border project, which will take two years to implement, has a budget of almost EUR 450,000 and is an important step towards improving the quality of education and strengthening relations between Czech and German institutions.