Two pioneering approaches to vocational training impress at the vocational schools' specialist advisor conference in Hoyerswerda.
On March 21, 2024, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented two innovative approaches to promoting vocational education at the conference of vocational schools in Hoyerswerda.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil presented the current status of the "Future Learning Location Upper Lusatia" (ZukLOS) and related sub-projects in extracurricular STEM education. This initiative aims to get pupils more interested in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology and prepare them for future careers in these fields.
Kristin Groß presented the dual study programs (KIA) of the university and explained the cooperation with partner companies throughout Germany. These dual study programs offer students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and thus gain a sound professional qualification.
The specialist advisor conference, which took place at the Knappenrode energy factory in Hoyerswerda with more than 70 teachers from vocational schools, was organized by the State Office for Schools and Education in Bautzen (LaSuB). Under the title "Energy transition in Eastern Saxony and its impact on vocational training", regional education stakeholders discussed challenges and possible solutions for the future with teachers.
Prof.in Dr.in Sophia Keil, Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs at the HSZG, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for vocational education.
The approaches presented met with great interest and approval from the teachers at the specialist advisor conference, who recognized their potential for the further development of vocational education in the region.
The KIA representative continues: "The interactive exhibition here is an outstanding example of how learning can be made realistic and vivid. This is particularly recommended for young visitors and illustrates how valuable the combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge is - a basic principle that we also follow in our KIA courses.
Afterwards, for example, a school from Pirna contacted the ZukLOS team, underlining the need and potential of the concepts presented for practical implementation in schools.
The ZukLOS team will be present together with KIA representative Kristin Groß at this year's INSIDERTREFF at Messepark Löbau on May 25, 2024. There they will present their work and be available for a lively discussion. This participation offers another opportunity to present the future learning location Oberlausitz and the KIA study programs to a broad audience and to establish new collaborations. It is an important step towards further intensifying cooperation between universities, schools and companies and strengthening vocational training in the region in the long term.
