Strengthening Dialogue and Collaboration Between Schools and Employers in Poland’s Vocational Education System
Strengthening Dialogue and Collaboration Between Schools and Employers in Poland’s Vocational Education System

Summary/Abstract: The article explores the significance of vocational education in the context of today’s job market and Poland’s 2017 educational reform. It highlights the essential role of dialogue between schools and employers, which is important for better preparing young people for professional challenges and aligning their competencies with economic demands. This paper presents partial results from both quantitative and qualitative research conducted as part of the project “Changes in Vocational Education in Secondary Schools Resulting from the 2017 Educational System Reform in the Views of Teachers in Technical and Vocational Schools”. The quantitative research involved 158 vocational school teachers, while qualitative insights were gathered through focus groups with 15 educators.Cooperation between schools and employers takes various forms, such as vocational internships, student apprenticeships, dual education, patronage classes, and training programs for both students and teachers. These initiatives provide students with valuable practical experience and facilitate their transition into the professional careers. However, research highlights several challenges, for example including low employer engagement, limited financial resources, and organizational difficulties related to the implementation of practical vocational training. A particular challenge is securing internship placements for underage students and adapting curricula to the rapidly changing demands of the economy.The results suggest the need for greater involvement from businesses, improved conditions for collaboration, and the implementation of systemic solutions to support practical training. They also emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue between the education sector and industry to ensure that curricula meet the real needs of the labour market and better prepare graduates for their professional futures.

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