Dual education is gaining traction in Romania. How children secure a good job right from high school
Dual education, the system in which companies and the government collaborate to train skilled workers, is slowly but surely developing in Romania.
Enrollment numbers have risen, as has the financial involvement of firms seeking qualified young employees. New specializations have emerged, adapted to market demands. For example, the curriculum for photovoltaic electricians is now being developed.
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Alin enrolled in a dual trade school immediately after completing the eighth grade, and upon graduation, he was hired on the spot by an automotive company where he had undergone practical training.
In six years, his salary has doubled and he has advanced rapidly in his career. From a technician, he became a shift supervisor, and now he has taken another step up in his career.
"Alin Dima, dual education graduate employee: For two weeks now, I've taken on maintenance engineer duties. I've moved up and I hope to climb even further.
Reporter: How far?
Alin Dima: Sky's the limit!
Reporter: What can you afford to do now?
Alin Dima: Expensive vacations".
Mihai also chose trade school over high school, but after getting a job, he attended evening classes and is now a college student.
The state spends 10,000 lei per student each year
Mihai Coșovanu, dual education graduate employee: "I heard many complaints from people who couldn't find work after high school, and I found this very appealing because I can continue here, and it provides support for me to pursue higher education".
Both young people graduated from the Kronstadt Trade School in Brașov, the first in Romania organized under the dual system. The state spends almost 10,000 lei per student here, and partner companies even more.
Children receive scholarships, accommodation, subsidized canteen meals, and occasionally, excursions and recreational events.
An ultramodern 8-story dormitory is being built for them in the city: rooms with TVs and private bathrooms, reading rooms, relaxation areas, TVs, washing machines, and dryers on each floor.
Over 9,000 children are enrolled in dual education
Claudia Tudor, dual education specialist: "After three years, these children are specialized, they know their trade, they integrate easily into the workforce, they know the company, they are helped to have opportunities, to move forward, to finish high school, to pass the baccalaureate, to continue to college".
In Sibiu, a company in the automotive industry spends €200,000 annually to support the training of over 150 students. Gabriel completed school and works as a test technician, but now he's on vacation in Bulgaria.
Gabriel Prodea, test technician: "As you can see, I'm on vacation now, so I don't think I could afford a vacation if there wasn't a job that was somewhat okay".
In these conditions, interest in dual vocational schools is growing.
EVOLUTION OF ENROLLMENT FIGURES IN DUAL EDUCATION
SCHOOL YEAR STUDENTS
2021/202 5,284
2022/2023 7,918
2023/2024 9,034
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
At the request of companies, the Ministry of Education has developed four new qualifications for which training is conducted in this system over the past two years.
Among them are the profession of luthier, automotive electrician, and the latest, for which the curriculum is still being worked on, is photovoltaic electrician.
