The implementation of joint projects focused on developing and introducing innovations – this, in short, describes the agreement signed on August 12 between the University of Zielona Góra and the Sectoral Skills Center (BCU) operating at Secondary School Complex No. 5 named after M. Tytus Huber in Wałbrzych. This collaboration is particularly timely, as starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, UZ will launch a new program in Mechatronics (full-time and part-time first-cycle studies).
“We are talking here about cooperation within the so-called triangle: secondary schools, the University of Zielona Góra, and enterprises,” explains Prof. Justyna Patalas-Maliszewska, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at UZ. “We hope that students from engineering and technical classes in Wałbrzych will choose to study at our university. At the same time, collaboration with companies will give them the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge aligned with the needs of the labor market,” adds Prof. Patalas-Maliszewska.
The other side of the partnership also sees clear benefits. “The fundamental principle of BCU’s operations in Poland is cooperation with universities. We hope this marks a new chapter for our students who are training to become mechatronics technicians. They will have the opportunity to further develop their professional competences. This is a chance to expand their interests and skills,” says Iwona Hnatiuk, Director of Secondary School Complex No. 5 in Wałbrzych.
According to Dariusz Ryl, sector coordinator of the Sectoral Skills Center project in mechatronics in Wałbrzych on behalf of SIMP, the partners will focus primarily on electric vehicle mechatronics. “As the only center in Poland, we will also provide training in so-called black box systems. Until now, this has only been done by commercial companies. Our mechatronics program is very advanced. We want to prepare adults already working in the automotive industry to adapt to an entirely new reality connected with electromobility—so that they know how to service and diagnose vehicles. This is extremely important in today’s world. Cooperation with UZ combines our achievements,” emphasizes Ryl.
The partnership between the University of Zielona Góra and the Sectoral Skills Center at Secondary School Complex No. 5 in Wałbrzych will also include joint participation in research programs funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the European Union, and projects supported by structural and community funds.
