Innovations for the future
Two forward-looking approaches to vocational education and training win over attendees at the conference for vocational school advisors in Hoyerswerda.
On March 21, 2024, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented two innovative approaches to promoting vocational education at the conference for vocational school counselors in Hoyerswerda.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil presented the current status of the “Upper Lusatia Learning Hub for the Future” (ZukLOS) and related subprojects in extracurricular STEM education. This initiative aims to spark greater enthusiasm among students for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology and to prepare them for future careers in these fields.
Kristin Groß presented the dual degree programmes (KIA) offered by the university and explained the collaboration with partner companies throughout Germany. These dual degree programmes offer students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and thus acquire a solid professional qualification.
The subject advisor conference, which took place at the Energiefabrik Knappenrode 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 “The Energy Transition in Eastern Saxony and Its Impact on Vocational Education,” regional education stakeholders discussed challenges and potential solutions for the future with the teachers.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Education and International Affairs at HSZG, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for vocational education.
Collaboration between universities, schools, and businesses is crucial for preparing the next generations for the demands of the job market, strengthening the regional economy, and ultimately facilitating structural change in Lausitz and Germany’s energy transition.
”The approaches presented met with great interest and approval from the teachers at the subject-area advisors' conference, who recognized their potential for further developing vocational education in the region.
The event at the Knappenrode energy factory provided the perfect backdrop for the presentation of our dual study programs.
”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, together with KIA officer Kristin Groß, will be present at this year’s INSIDERTREFF at Messepark Löbau on May 25, 2024. There, they will present their work and be available for lively discussions. This event offers another opportunity to introduce the Oberlausitz Future Learning Center and the KIA degree programs to a broad audience and to forge new partnerships. It is an important step toward further deepening collaboration between universities, schools, and businesses and sustainably strengthening vocational education in the region.
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