A successful continuation of the long-term cooperation with the Secondary Vocational School of Technology and Crafts in Bratislava was the internship of its students in ENGIE Services during the school year 2022/2023. 9 students from 2nd to 4th year were involved in the internship and had the opportunity to test their theoretical knowledge from school in the real environment of ENGIE projects.
“I evaluate the professional practice of the students of the School of Technology and Crafts very positively. I think it is beneficial for both parties involved. The students gain valuable knowledge in this way that studying alone would not give them. They learn work habits and for the first time have the opportunity to work in mixed-age teams. For ENGIE, the students’ work experience on their own projects is one of the ways they can later become professionally qualified employees.” explains Dominika Hippová, CSR Manager at ENGIE Services.
During the school year, students worked under the supervision of project managers. They were assigned to specific projects according to their field of study – mechanical engineer, refrigeration and air conditioning technician, power electronics technician, plumber and building energy equipment technician.
“We have been pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback from our colleagues and the students themselves. Colleagues clearly agreed that the students were smart and quickly picked up all the practical knowledge. This also made them an asset and a real help to the projects. The students especially appreciated the opportunity to test their school knowledge in practice and also the helpfulness of our colleagues in the teams,” says Dominika Hippová.
How he evaluates cooperation Lucia Szkuráková from the School of Technology and Crafts?
“From our point of view, it is extremely important for the pupils of the School of Technology and Crafts to gain practical experience in their field. Linking theoretical knowledge and practical experience directly with employers is the key to success. It is therefore essential that they acquire new skills through work experience alongside school and increase their added value with employers. Our school has been working with ENGIE Services for a number of years and our partnership is at a very good level. Capable people with technology skills will be key to the future of the economy. These are lacking in many companies, which reduces both productivity and profitability. Schools are not a substitute for companies in all respects, so we see it as positive that employers like ENGIE Services are focusing on up-skilling not only current employees but also secondary school pupils. In this way, pupils can test their acquired knowledge from school directly in practice, learn new practical knowledge and experience, and become familiar with the company culture. In the next school year 2023/2024, we plan to continue this cooperation, as we consider it to be very beneficial not only for our pupils but also for the company itself.” says Lucia Szkuráková, deputy director for practical teaching at the Secondary School of Technology and Crafts.
ENGIE Services plans to continue the successful project in the upcoming school year 2023/2024.
“We are already looking forward to the new students who will come to practice in our company. We think the generational exchange of expertise and experience is beneficial for both parties. We are glad that we can actively support vocational education in Slovakia in this way as well,” concludes Dominika Hippová.
