With this project, we aimed to align the skills acquired by students during their education in school with the actual needs of the labor market. Additionally, we wanted our mechanical-computer technicians, CNC operators, and tourism-hotel commercialists to acquire new skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market. Specifically, we wanted CNC operators to learn to independently operate CNC machines and input tasks using codes. We also aimed for mechanical-computer technicians to gain practical work experience, as the educational program for this specialization currently only provides theoretical knowledge. We wanted them to learn welding, manual material processing, and CNC machine operation. Moreover, we wanted tourism-hotel commercialists to develop skills in food preparation and presentation according to guest preferences and needs, and to learn guest check-in and check-out procedures. We also aimed for them to gain direct experience in guest communication. For the teacher who participated in job shadowing activities in gastronomy, we wanted her to acquire new skills and work experience in a restaurant and food preparation, as she was an unqualified in cooking and serving during the project implementation.
The project was based on the needs of the local community and the strategic development plans of our School. The economy in our region demands experts in the fields of mechanical engineering and tourism, particularly in eco and rural tourism. Our School faces challenges in adapting its educational programs to rapid changes in the industry. The lack of financial resources has made it difficult for us to procure modern training equipment for students, and practical training is insufficient or not aligned with employer requirements. The program for mechanical-computer technicians lacks practical training on CNC machines, welding, and material processing, which are crucial for competitiveness in the job market. A recently approved vocational program for tourism and hotel technicians is struggling with practical training issues. Challenges stem from a shortage of skilled instructors and actual hotel facilities in the local environment. Our school has also recognized the importance of internationalization through various projects and partnerships to better prepare students for the global job market. This project includes students with reduced opportunities. Additionally, four zero-grant students and one zero-grant accompanying teacher.