Bridge to Career Success: Strengthening Practical Skills with State-of-the-art Equipment

A lack of skilled labor, particularly in the fast-paced field of technical sciences, is a widespread issue today. Many companies face increasing difficulties in finding skilled workers. Tehnical vocational schools are poorly equipped with modern and up-to-date equipment. Therefore, in order to create a skilled workforce in the region of Bitola, the VTI – Municipal Secondary Technical School (MSTS) “Gorgi Naumov” and many local companies have established a cooperation in three highly demanded qualifications: industrial mechatronics technician, electrical energetics technician, and electrical technician for computer technology and automation. These three professions are currently in high demand, and there will be even more need for such qualified technicians in the future. Normally, education for these occupations requires contemporary and expensive modern educational equipment that corresponds to the needs of member companies of the consortium and other local companies, as well as well-trained teachers and mentors. Besides the Technical High School – VTI “Gorgi Naumov”, the consortium includes seven local companies: Kromberg and Shubert, Factory for Equipment and Parts – Novaci, and five experienced software development companies. The Technical High School – VTI “Gorgi Naumov” has a strong educational background in the electro-technical and mechanical professions. The school’s strengths include its experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff and its commitment to providing quality education to a diverse student body, including boys and girls from different nationalities.
VTI “Gorgi Naumov” is responsible for providing theoretical classes and practical exercises, while the companies are responsible for conducting practical training in their facilities.
The consortium has applied for a grant of €589,900, most of which will be allocated to equipping the school cabinets with modern didactic machines and tools. This activity will be supplemented by the adaptation of school facilities supported by the municipality of Bitola, training of teachers for proper use of the new equipment, improving and digitization of training materials and educational and training processes, etc.
This proposed project will help enrolled students obtain practical skills and knowledge that are relevant to the labor market. It will also have additional positive effects on the community in Bitola and the broader region.
These competences correspond to the newer advanced and improved modular educational programs established a few years ago by the Ministry of Education and Science. Additionally, due to the modern equipment in VTI, the standing of vocational education and training among youngsters in the region will be significantly improved. On the other hand, the successful cooperation between the VTI and other partnering companies and the created best practices will also motivate additional companies to engage in the processes of vocational education and training.