The first day of the examinations took place at the Kia Slovakia Training Centre in Gbeľany, where each student was required to demonstrate their knowledge by solving practical tasks on CNC miniature milling machines and lathes. The second day of the final examinations was held directly in the engine shop production facilities of Kia Slovakia, where students were tasked with explaining the processes on the engine crankshaft production line. This gave students the opportunity to showcase their skills in operating and setting up real production equipment.
“Engine Shop 1 and the crankshaft line are ideal locations for holding the practical part of the final examinations for dual education students. They offer a wide range of activities on milling machines, lathes and boring machines, where students can demonstrate proper production processes. We are always happy to make these facilities available for the training of new professionals,” added Juraj Kajánek, Head of the Engine Shop at Kia Slovakia.
One of the students even defended his own project in front of the examination board.
“I presented my own work on gears and their modelling in the SOLIDWORKS programme. I created this project as part of the Secondary School Professional Activity competition in the field of mechanical engineering and advanced to the regional round. Thanks to this project, I gained experience not only in programming itself, but also in presentation skills,” said graduating student Richard Vangel.
The practical part of the final examinations in the Programmer of Machining and Welding Machines and Equipment programme was preceded by a written exam, and students still have an oral examination ahead of them. All successful graduates are guaranteed a job at Kia Slovakia, while several of them plan to continue their studies at university after completing secondary school.
The Kia Slovakia Training Centre in Gbeľany, with its well‑equipped classrooms, offers students a unique opportunity to develop not only in the Programmer of Machining and Welding Machines and Equipment field, but also in other programmes within the dual education system in which Kia Slovakia participates. The car manufacturer cooperates with secondary schools from Žilina, Martin and Kysucké Nové Mesto. A strong focus on the practical side of education enables students to gain real‑world experience and prepare for a professional career in this field.
