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European Vocational Skills Week
News announcement19 December 2019Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

We have had a positive influence on how locals view vocational education.

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Vocational education is not often seen as a very popular choice in Poland. Because of that, it truly matters to us that during European Vocational Skills Week, we could attract primary school pupils using all sorts of interesting tools.

Among the events we organised was the culinary competition ‘Master Chef Junior‘. The main aim of this was to promote opportunities to become a chef. The promotion for it started a month before the event itself, as we sent out posters to primary schools informing them about it, and also submitted information to local news sites, newspapers etc.

The participants had to cook hash browns according to a recipe given to them, whilst adding a sauce that they had created themselves. Locally renowned chefs were asked to participate as jurors of the competition, whilst prizes were provided by local hotels. The event also gained publicity on the local TV network:

On the following day, we set up promotional events, where our students gained skills, in 16 different workplaces. Among the attendees were car mechanic companies, restaurants, hairdressers and even a company making elevators. All of them opened their doors for the primary school students, who were interested in seeing what work in specific professions looks like. They had the opportunity to see professionals at work, as well as ask them questions about the job, payment, possibilities of growth and anything else, that was on their mind. At the end of the day, all the students came to the school to participate in an interactive competition using Quizizz.

At the same time, in a nearby park, we promoted the baker and confectioner professions. Local produce was showcased, whilst students had also prepared a variety of pates and creams which were available for tasting.

One of the key elements of the day was the Mobile Education Centre, which was placed by the school. In the centre, teachers were taught about the opportunities they have to participate in European projects under the eTwinning and Erasmus+ programmes. Young people from vocational schools learned about EuroPass and the opportunities it provides.

All in all, around 800 people took part in the events, which is a significant number for a town of only 50,000 people. Our Open Day celebration was met with fantastic reactions and an assured feeling that we have had a positive influence on how locals view vocational education.

Dominika Pfeif, Vocational School Principal, Poland

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