Week of the Professional 2025: Trades with a Future Attracted Young People to Modern Technologies

From 24 to 28 November 2025, secondary vocational schools across Slovakia hosted the nationwide event Week of the Professional 2025, held under the theme “Trades with a Future – a Reliable Combination of Traditional Craftsmanship and Cutting-Edge Technology.” The event, organised by the State Institute of Vocational Education and Training (ŠIOV), confirmed that vocational education is being dynamically modernised and offers students an attractive pathway to a high-quality career.

The event took place within the framework of the second Swiss–Slovak Cooperation Programme, giving it a strong international dimension and linking innovative approaches with systemic support for vocational education and training.

The event highlighted the importance of partnerships between schools, companies, and primary schools. Roundtable discussions brought together career counsellors and employer representatives to address the critical shortage of young people in technical and construction-related fields. Schools presented new and attractive study programmes, such as construction specialist and water management technician, while employers confirmed their willingness to engage in dual education, which effectively links education with practical training.

The discussions were further enriched by successful graduates who, after years of professional practice, returned as employers and opened doors for young people to internships and practical training opportunities.

The Week of the Professional was not limited to discussions alone. As part of the event, activities also involved primary school principals, representatives of employers’ associations, and diplomatic missions, including a representative of the Swiss Embassy. Their participation underscored the importance of dual education and international cooperation in vocational education and training.

Schools opened their doors to the public and to younger primary school pupils through interactive presentations, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations. Visitors had the opportunity to experience modern technologies in action — from drones, smart tractors, and 3D land mapping in agriculture, through laser measurement and virtual reality in construction, to innovative foodtech solutions in the food industry.

The event confirmed that vocational education can be modern, technologically progressive, and attractive to the younger generation. Secondary vocational schools thus demonstrated that combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies offers a stable, creative, and well-paid career. More information is available here.