Good practice:

SCHOOL INFORMATION AND CAREER CENTER (SZPIK)

SCHOOL INFORMATION AND CAREER CENTER (SZPIK) was established according to the methodology proposed by the RZPWE (Regional Complex of Education Support Centres) in Opole as part of “The Opole vocational education for the labour market project”. However, the centre in Głogówek was adapted to the local market through the involvement of five largest local companies and employers. Glogowek is a small town (5,607 inhabitants) situated in an agricultural area close to the Polish-Czech border. This area is facing a serious problem of depopulation and the creation of SZPIK was mainly aimed at retaining young people in these areas and enabling them to pursue their careers. Despite the fact that SZPIK opened six months before the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic, a lot of work was accomplished during that time.
Through this place, students have the opportunity to learn about the business profile of the largest local companies, come to these companies for study visits, as well as internships there. It is an opportunity to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of running one's own business. It is also a confirmation that even in such a disadvantaged area there are people who have achieved success and established large, very successful companies which provide employment for many people. This place is also a point of learning the basics of entrepreneurship for the youngest - children from kindergartens.

Financial resources - RPOP for 2014-2020. Total budget of “The Opole vocational education for the labour market project” is : PLN 36.887.144,30. In this buget there are PLN 3.555.936,15 for 51 SZPIK. The equipment was financed by local business. The work of the centre involves a six-member.

The biggest success of the project is the substantive and financial involvement of 5 major local companies. In addition to financial support, they offer their help by organizing internships, lectures and study visits. Apart from young people studying in the School Complex in Głogówek, the offer of SZPIK is also used by children from kindergartens, who often participate in classes promoting professional and nature of work in local companies. They learn the basics of entrepreneurship.

The biggest threat, is to bring the project into compliance with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. For now, the project is on hold until students return to school.

The practice has a very clear and readable methodology. It can be easily adapted in any region. Even in the absence of major financial support, a similar site can be prepared with minimal expense. However, the most important aspect is the involvement and cooperation with the local environment, in particular with local entrepreneurs.