THE SLOVAK University of Technology and the Enel Slovenské Elektrárne power producer have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at getting more young people interested in studying the technical professions.
The agreement would also work to increase the quality of education in these professions and better connect study with practice.
The cooperation aims to improve the preparation of graduates and prepare study programmes that meet the needs of the labour market, said university rector Vladimír Báleš.
"Motivating students to study these programmes will be a part of the project,"Báleš said.
The partners agreed on support for exceptional students and they will award the most successful bachelor and master degree theses with stipends, grants and attractive job offers.
The Slovak University of Technology (STU) also established a new national prize for excellence in technology named after Aurel Stodola, the Slovak scientist, constructor and founder of steam and gas turbine theory. The partners plan to establish a new master study programme focused on energy at universities. Its first year is expected to start next autumn. They will also develop education materials and curriculums for energy-related subjects taught in high schools.
As a part of the project, a team of young professionals from energy industry will speak to high school students to promote a career in technical professions, and attract new candidates for university technical education. The memorandum was signed on the 70th anniversary of foundation of the STU in Bratislava.
