22 companies implementing dual education received funding of up to €20,000

Chisinau, Aug 13 /MOLDPRES/- 22 economic units implementing dual education have received grants of up to 20 thousand euros. The money was used by the companies to purchase equipment necessary for vocational training of students involved in the dual system. The total value of the grants is 400,000 euros.

The financial support was granted within the framework of the Support Program for economic units implementing dual education programs, financed by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Government of Switzerland, implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The results of the project were analyzed today in Chisinau during an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Republic of Moldova.

The beneficiaries of the project are companies from Chisinau, Balti, Cahul, Hincesti, Orhei and Gagauzia that are implementing dual education.

CCI head Sergiu Harea said today at the event that only an efficient cooperation between the actors involved in the process can contribute to the consolidation of dual education and in general of the education system in the country, in providing qualified labor force.

One of the enterprises that has benefited from grants under the program is the National Seed Research and Production Center in Balti. As the company is facing a shortage of mechanizers, it has turned to dual education and applied to the externally-funded program to procure several modern technical units. These have so far benefited 12 students studying at the Glodeni vocational school. The youngsters have used the technology to enrich their practical knowledge and learn the trade more easily.

GIZ Moldova Country Director Claudia Hermes said that dual education programs provide young people with essential skills to integrate more effectively into the labor market, bridging the gap between education and industry. "The project supports the training of a workforce ready to meet the demands of a changing economy," the official said.

Guido Beltrani, director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, said that by offering practical, labor market-oriented education, Switzerland plays a key role in promoting innovation and increasing competitiveness in Moldova.

The event took place with the support of the project Strong Enterprises and Municipalities for Moldova, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Government of Switzerland, implemented by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

Dual education is a special way of vocational education and training, where responsibilities are shared between the dual partners - the company (workplace) and the educational institution. Students get structured practical training at the company and the theory at the educational institution.