Effective and productive cooperation between Kia Slovakia and secondary schools has been in place since 2016, supporting the development of students with a long-term focus on the latest trends. This cooperation aligns school-based education with practical training directly at Kia Slovakia. The company views dual education as an important step towards the successful employability of graduates and the acquisition of qualified future employees.
In the current school year, cooperation continues with three partner schools: Secondary Technical School of Mechanical Engineering in Kysucké Nové Mesto, Associated School in Martin, and Secondary Technical School of Electrical Engineering in Žilina. For students enrolled in dual education in cooperation with Kia Slovakia, the Automotive Production Specialist Mechanic study programme is available. This three-year programme provides students with in-depth knowledge and skills in automotive manufacturing.
A new four-year Autotronics study programme enables graduates to pursue careers as technicians in design, technology, assembly and operations. Additional four-year programmes include Programmer of Machining and Welding Machines and Electromechanical Mechanic – Automation Technology. Graduates of these programmes can find employment as machine operators, service technicians, and specialists in the management of high-voltage power systems and automation programming.
Applicants interested in dual education in cooperation with Kia Slovakia can currently apply until 26 March directly via the company website:
https://www.kia.sk/sk/kariera/studenti/dualne-vzdelavanie, where further information is also available.
At Kia Slovakia, a team of 23 internal trainers works intensively with 47 third- and fourth-year students from the three partner schools throughout the entire period of practical training. An additional 37 first- and second-year students develop their basic skills at secondary schools, where they also complete practical training in specialized classrooms.
“During their studies, students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also valuable experience in work habits and team integration. They have the opportunity to work with the latest technologies, learning how to operate and set them up. These acquired skills significantly shorten the adaptation period, bring better wage conditions, and provide our graduates with a competitive advantage in the labour market,” said Tomáš Potoček, Spokesperson for Kia Slovakia.
Dual education at Kia Slovakia has delivered positive results from the very beginning. Since 2016, 168 talented students have been accepted into the programme, gaining practical experience directly in industrial production. These skills enable them to find employment in the automotive industry after completing their studies. In addition, students further develop their competencies through courses and training programmes, helping them keep pace with the latest industry trends and developments.
Kia Slovakia provides students in the dual education system with a monthly scholarship ranging from EUR 50 to EUR 150, depending on their year of study, free transportation, meal allowances, and opportunities for part-time work, enabling them to gain experience and earn up to EUR 300 per month.
Dual education leverages the potential of primary schools and secondary vocational schools on one side, and qualified professional tutors on the other. These tutors are prepared to help students achieve their goals and develop their careers. Production facilities serve as venues for practical training, where students can gain real-world experience.
At primary school level, students face the decision between general and vocational education. It is essential to provide both students and their parents with sufficient information and support during this decision-making process. “Career counsellors play a crucial role here. They are present in all primary schools and are competent to advise students and parents on the choice of secondary schools, using their professional knowledge and experience to guide them in their decisions,” added Milena Demková, Head of the Education and Youth Department of the City of Žilina.
Secondary schools face challenges in providing attractive, high-quality education that respects individual student needs while also reflecting labour market requirements. “Founders are facing challenges related to rapidly evolving technologies, which significantly influence teaching methods, as well as a shortage of qualified teachers,” explained Ľuboš Berešík, Head of the Department for Education Administration at the Žilina Self-Governing Region.
The Secondary Technical School of Mechanical Engineering in Kysucké Nové Mesto has been preparing students for careers in mechanical engineering for more than 70 years. During its existence, the school has educated over 10,000 professionals working in various sectors of the economy. Today, education and training are delivered in specialised and semi-specialised classrooms equipped with modern machinery and facilities, supported by fully qualified teaching staff and technical and administrative personnel. The school continuously modernises its teaching process to keep pace with rapid technological advances, particularly in Industry 4.0, virtual reality, PLC systems, and alternative energy sources.
“The dual education system not only offers students opportunities for professional and career growth, but also deepens cooperation between schools and companies in new areas such as joint open days, training courses and workshops. A major success of this cooperation was the joint preparation and implementation of the new Autotronics study programme, which is already being taught at our school,” said Ondrej Holienčík, Director of the Secondary Technical School of Mechanical Engineering in Kysucké Nové Mesto.
The State Institute of Vocational Education (ŠIOV) is responsible for coordinating vocational education and training as well as adult education in Slovakia. Even after the conclusion of the national project Dual Education and Increasing the Attractiveness and Quality of VET, the institute continues to support dual education through various activities and tools. These include cooperation with the Council of Employers for Vocational Education and Training and the Talent Centre, one of the project’s key and highly beneficial outcomes. Through hands-on experiences, the Talent Centre helps students better understand professions and make informed decisions when choosing a secondary school and career path.
Regional support is provided through ŠIOV Regional Centres, alongside continued cooperation with schools, parents, employers, and professional organisations. Support also includes information and promotional activities, and the current range of study programmes and participating schools and employers in dual education is extensive and diverse.
“The Dual Education project significantly strengthened cooperation between secondary schools and employers, and we continue to actively contribute to its development because it is essential for the future. As I often say, it is an investment in the future. The results of cooperation between students, schools and employers within the dual education system become evident only after a certain period of time,” concluded Branislav Hadár, Director of the State Institute of Vocational Education.
In addition to cooperation with primary, secondary and higher education institutions, Kia Slovakia also works closely with the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (ÚPSVaR) Žilina. An example is the partnership at the most recent Information Fair, held on 9 February at the House of Trade Unions in Žilina. This long-standing event provides eighth- and ninth-grade primary school students with essential information and guidance on further education opportunities. Invited secondary schools and organisations present study programmes, achievements and employment prospects for graduates.
