2019/2020

On the begining of August we received very good information that our partner’s project got approved by polish National Agency. Project “Professional internships as an opportunity for development for young people from the Powisle Dąbrowski region” is implemented by Zespol Szkol im. K.K. Baczynskiego w Dabrowie Tarnowskiej. In frame of the project we will host 85 students and 8 teachers who will be divided into two mobilites. First will take place between 14thand 25th of October 2019 and second one between 18th and 29th of May 2020.

It will be second common project in frame of Operational Program Knowledge Education Development (pl. POWER). After success completion of project from 2017 we decided to carry on our good cooperation and create another chance for more students, who carry internship programe in Greek companies. It is great chance for them to gain experience, knowledge and new skills which will be very useful in their future work.

The main objective of the project „Professional internships as a development opportunity for young people from the Powiśle Dąbrowski region” is to increase mobility and competitiveness on the labor market of project participants and to improve the quality of our school education.

– improvement of foreign language skills among participants (especially improving language competences in areas related to work: specialist terms, contact with clients and work in an international team),

– raising the school’s reputation and enriching its educational offer with the possibility of going abroad for mobility,

– broadening the knowledge of participants about Greece, its culture, traditions, increasing their openness and tolerance,

– getting the school’s experience necessary for the implementation of further European projects,

– increasing the independence of students by expanding school education with the experience of working in new professional environments,

– equalizing the chances of school students (from a small town) in access to high-quality international educational experience.

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Between 11 and 22 November 2019, a group of 20 students from SOSW in Szymbark, studying gardening technician, farmer technician, cook technician and hotel service assistant, took part in a 12-day internship abroad, carried out as part of the project „Young people from SOSW in Szymbark actively improve their competences”.

During this time, the project participants implemented an apprenticeship programme, improving their existing professional skills, but also gaining new experience.

The Cook Technician has acquired such professional skills as:

– learning the principles of operation of the catering facilities and their equipment;

– getting to know the service activities of local catering establishments;

– getting to know the principles of rational nutrition;

– the ability to work in different positions – cook, kitchen assistant;

– getting to know the principles of serving and serving meals;

– getting to know the rules and procedures of serving a restaurant guest;

– getting to know the principles and process of preparing a restaurant room;

– getting to know the principles of work schedule preparation at different workstations – restaurant, kitchen, kitchen helper

The gardener technician has acquired such professional skills as:

– learning about the principles of gardening equipment and its purpose;

– designing, implementing and maintaining the arrangement of hotel gardens;

– getting to know the principles of performing care and sowing treatments;

– getting to know the principles of arrangement of green areas depending on their location and purpose;

– ability to perform care work on shrubs, trees, green areas;

– getting to know the principles of gardening crop storage;

– to learn the principles of operation of chemicals used in cultivation and plant protection

A agricultural technician has acquired such professional skills as:

– getting to know machines and equipment for cultivation, sowing, fertilization, plant care;

– planning and organizing the plant and animal production process on the farm;

– the ability to select crop treatments for the crop, including the use of methods to prevent and control diseases, pests and weeds and the use of chemical preparations.

– ability to carry out appropriate work in livestock production using machinery and equipment,

– ability to plan and organise the plant and animal production process on the farm.

A hotel service assistant has acquired such professional skills as:

– getting to know the rules of hotel guest service;

– getting to know and performing types of cleaning work;

– to learn the principles of taking care of guests’ belongings and property in accordance with regulations and applicable standards;

– to get acquainted with the service activities of local hotel establishments;

– the ability to work in different positions in the hotel restaurant;

– getting to know the techniques of serving and dispensing dishes and drinks;

– getting to know the principles of preparing and serving hotel meals with the use of equipment and auxiliary devices;

– getting to know the principles of selecting tableware and cutlery for selected dishes;

– getting to know the principles of accepting and fulfilling orders for restaurant services;

– ability to work in different positions during housekeeping;

In addition, participants had the opportunity to take part in a cultural programme implemented in cooperation with the institutions involved. During the two days of the weekend, students had the opportunity to visit the complex of monasteries built on the rocks of the so-called Meteors, a cruise with Captain Kostas and the crew of Elizavet Cruises to the picturesque island of Skiathos. And during local excursions and walks they could see Platamon Castle as well as the village enchanted in the stone Paleos Panteleimonos.

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The European project of foreign internships in Greece has started!

On 28.10-8.11.2019, a group of students from Zespół Szkół im. Kazimierz Pulaski in Gorlice studying the professions of Building Technician and Nutrition and Food Service Technician had a professional internship as part of the Project entitled „Conquering European Practices with ZSZ Pulaski in Gorlice”. The Conquest of European practices with ZSZ Pułaski in Gorlice, which is financed by the European Commission, granted by the National Agency of the PO WER Programme, VET sector.

A group of students educated in the fields of building technician and nutrition and food service technician, to whom the project activities are directed, for 12 days implemented the apprenticeship programme in accordance with the main assumptions of the project and the core curriculum of both fields. The aim of the internship was to develop skills within the profession, use theoretical knowledge in practice and learn about the specifics of work in enterprises. The course of the internship was supervised by trained staff consisting of mentors and instructors from the ZSZ in Gorlice, a Greek organization and companies selected for cooperation.

The Building Technician has become acquainted in practice with, among others

– techniques of performing construction works in Europe,

– the use of new tools and technologies in the construction area,

– recognition of technologies used in the company with particular attention paid to modern technological and material solutions,

– improve the practical application of theoretical knowledge combined with practice,

– recognize the devices, tools and equipment used, among other things, for carrying out surveying works, earthworks, raw state works, finishing works and external works,

– analyzed the specificity of work on real job positions in the profession.

The Nutrition and Food Service Technician has become acquainted in practice with, among others

– preparation of semi-finished products and food ingredients for further processing,

– decorating dishes, platters, tables and restaurants

– working in the restaurant at various positions: table setting, bringing ordered dishes, cleaning tables

– work in the kitchen at various positions: cooking soups, preparing dishes, preparing desserts, preparing drinks and regional cuisine.

As part of the cultural program, the students visited the monastery complex called Meteors, visiting the icon factory on their way. During a boat trip with Captain Kostas and the crew of Elizabeth Cruises they went on a fantastic cruise to Skiathos Island. On the ship there was time to have fun and learn typical Greek dances.

Due to the daily work of the apprenticeship, the participants could practice English and Greek. And at the end of the internship, the trainees received certificates confirming their acquired skills.

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In the period 21st of October to 1st of November 2019, a 50-person group of third and fourth grade youth educating in the following professions: agricultural and agrotronics mechanization technician, agribusiness technician and food and catering services technician, completed an 80-hour professional internship, as well as an interesting educational-cultural program, which helped them get to know Greece, its historical and cultural heritage, traditions, cuisine and the richness of nature of the Olympic Riviera.

Students in the field of agricultural mechanization technician learned about the organization and methods of work in local institutions. Under the watchful eye of the owner and mechanics of the Asterios Sotiriou workshop in Pyrgetos Larisa, they checked the technical condition of machines and devices, performed maintenance and repair works of individual machine elements (e.g. welding). They also made small parts of machines and devices by manual processing. They improved their skills related to the disassembly and repair of tractors and agricultural machinery (some for the first time in their lives). They learned to verify dismantled parts and adjust them accordingly. They also visited the Iliadis company that manufactures and maintains agricultural machinery in the field of irrigation machines and learned about the owner’s father’s patented invention – a tobacco punching device.

Whereas agribusiness technicians became familiar with the functioning of various companies and facilities. They were visiting Katerini, an association of farmers from the Pieria region, where farmers from this region sell their kiwi crops. They learned about the rules of storing this fruit even for 5-6 months. In turn, during a visit to the farm and in the company Fotiadas they learned the rules of breeding black pigs and the process of producing high-quality products: sausages, bacon and meat. At other times, they collected sweet grapes and then performed organizational tasks or worked on olive plantations, learned about machines and devices that are used for harvesting. Using computer programs to support business operations, they also explored the secrets of a company’s financial plans, the principles of conducting sole proprietorships and companies, a simplified form of accounting records and an inventory of assets. They have also classified the costs.

Students from a nutrition and food technician had an internship provided by the luxurious San Pantelejmon hotel, in which a group from Korolówka-Osada lived. They familiarized themselves with the food storage system and seen the methods and techniques used in Greece for processing raw materials. Separated into groups, under the guidance of mentors, they worked in the kitchen, preparing dishes and breakfast buffet, as well as products and semi-finished products for lunch and dinner at the hotel. They prepared a restaurant room for guests and then operated the service. They planned and prepared a menu cost estimate for guests based on purchases made at the Leptokarya market. At the end of the apprenticeship they underwent training in making coffee with Mr. Sakis. They found out what types of coffees are most often consumed in Greece and how to prepare them.

Taking advantage of local conditions, all students harvested olives, watched the technological process of producing oil in the olive press, and visited the family-run feta cheese factory.

In addition to studying and working, there was also time for rest and entertainment. In their free time, students could take a sea bath, walk on the beach, play beach volleyball or sunbathe in the hotel pool (from the hotel to the sea was only 200 meters). The Greek internship center, represented by Adonis Karatzios, took care of a wide range of cultural and entertainment events. One of the attractions was the opportunity to see „suspended between heaven and earth” Meteora – a wonder of nature and architecture, deservedly on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The meteoric extraordinary nature is to combine the landscape with the richness of the history of the monasteries, the secrets of the lives of monks and the beliefs of the Greeks. The youth visited the largest of the monasteries set high on the rocks and participated in icon-writing workshops. The cruise to the island of Skiathos (known from the musical „Mamma Mia!”) was unique. During the ship trip, the students took part in a Greek fun together with Captain Kostas and visited the „golden beach” of Kukunarias. For the last time, enjoying the beautiful, sunny weather, they sunbathed and bathed in the Aegean Sea. Shorter trips were also organized, such as a walking trip from the town of Litochoro by the Enipas Gorge in the Olimp National Park. It was worth seeing Zeus Falls and Baths of Aphrodite (two). In the afternoons, young people visited nearby attractions such as Old Panteleimon, the port and the castle of Platamonas. There was also time for shopping at the Leptokarya market. The Greek folklore evening at San Panteleimon Hotel with traditional music and dances provided a lot of excitement. Of course, sirtaki reigned, called Zorba’s dance. After the official part, the whole room joined the fun and learned steps.

During the internship, young people had the opportunity to taste traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, pita in different flavors, tzatziki, souvlaki, tiganites and of course Greek salad. The so-called Greek tea from herbs harvested on Olympus with wonderful health properties. It was served daily for breakfast. Koumaro honeys (only growing around the Old Panteleimon) and chestnut, especially unknown in Poland, tasted exceptionally well.

During the apprenticeship, the school’s group was visited by the School Director Leszek Młynarczyk. It was a visit monitoring the internship in Greece. He observed classes and workshops in individual fields of vocational education and participated in trips. He became acquainted with the living and working conditions, as well as the organization of free time, which the project created. He rated them very highly.

After completing the apprenticeship, the youth together with their teachers and mentors summarized the acquired knowledge and skills from the entire stay. During the solemn ceremony, students received certificates of completion of an internship abroad and said goodbye to their guardians from Greece, with whom they formed a harmonious team.

Internships in Greece gave students the opportunity to develop professionally and were probably an amazing adventure for many, during which they met a „piece of the world”, tasted another life. Internship abroad is also an opportunity for young people to learn and improve a foreign language, including business (mainly English, but also Greek), with particular emphasis on vocabulary and expressions in the field of specialist language in their fields. Thanks to mobility, students developed social and personal competences such as self-confidence, team communication skills, entrepreneurship. Mobility also affects the cultural development of young people, in particular integration into European society. Undoubtedly, foreign internships and experience gained from them are also an opportunity for the School to establish better contacts with entrepreneurs and expand the knowledge and professional competence of teachers.

Have a look at some photos from their stay below 🙂

 

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The project entitled „Step towards Europe”, in which the Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski School No. 4 in Warsaw participates, assumes the departure of 40 students and 4 teachers for a two-week internship abroad to Greece on 09.2020. The planned mobility will affect the language skills, both in terms of colloquial expressions and specialized industry language, which students will use during preparation and during the internship. In addition, participants will learn about the current methods and requirements of the labor market in professions such as: economist, tourist service technician, advertising organization technician. The mobility activity will influence the development of students’ soft skills, which will include:

– group work,

– creativity,

– coping with stress,

– adapting to new situations,

– making decisions and using alternative methods and tools at work. The planned activities will be important in establishing new contacts both between peers and international contacts. As part of the mobility, students will complete apprenticeships and a cultural program.

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In the period 17/06/2019 – 16/10/2020 in cooperation with our company Zespół Szkół Centrum Kształcenia Rolniczego in Korolówka-Osada is realizing the project entitled “European Korolowka – foreign internships as a chance for development”.

The main aim of the project is to develop opportunities related to vocational education and training implemented by the school, through the implementation of international mobility initiatives covering 82 students training in fields of agricultural mechanization, agribusiness and nutrition and food services.

The specific objectives that are to be entered into the general goal while allowing for its achievement are:

1) preparation and implementation of professional mobility for 2 groups of students: first of 50 people and second of 32 people, dedicated to the implementation of 12-day vocational training programs for agricultural mechanization technicians (TMRiA), agribusiness technicians (TA) and nutrition and food technicians (TŻiUG);

2) including at least 60 students with so-called smaller chances and their professional and social activation;

3) preparation and implementation of preparatory programs, including comprehensive training support for students before departure, to facilitate their adaptation in a new environment and maximize the use of received development opportunity;

4) development of professional and social competences (including language skills) of 82 participants and raising their motivation to learning;

5) building a strong and longterm partnership with a Greek partner and at least 2 companies in the agricultural and HORECA sector in Greece;

6) creating a space for exchanging good practices in the field of organization and management of the subjects of the vocational education and training sector and the adaptation of the methods and tools to school realities and the changing education sector;

7) motivating the teaching staff of ZS CKR to raise qualifications and to be more active in the field of initiating and implementing new programs, activities and projects serving the development of the whole school community;

8) development of the educational offer of ZS CKR and raising its prestige by building European dimension of the school;

9) promotion of European values, at the same time being part of the school’s main goal: solidarity, democracy, tolerance, justice and freedom.

The participants of the project will be 82 students from ZS CKR, studying in the following fields: TMRiA, TA and TŻiUG. All of them are students of the second, third and fourth technical secondary school which is part of the ZS CKR. Those students are talented and hard-working young people who, due to the areas from which they come, must face many difficulties. Origin and location many times affect the student’s development opportunities, limiting their involvement, which is why the important role of the school is to create new opportunities for development.

The main activities under the project will be 2 trips of professional mobility. First group of 50

participants will be supported by 5 school teachers and the second – consisting of 32 students will be supported by 3 school teachers. First trip is to take place in the autumn of

2019 (the second half of October 2019) and will be dedicated to the implementation of internships of students of IV class in fields of TMRiA, TA and TŻiUG, including support for a total of 50 students. The second trip is planned for the spring of 2020 (first half of May 2020) and it will include 32 students of second and third grade in the field of TMRiA and TA. Within their framework, participants divided into smaller working groups as part of their professional profiles will work under the supervision of Greek mentors in enterprises of selected industries. Participants will work according to the accepted core program 6-8 hours a day, depending on the needs and capabilities of the workplace, receiving full support from their teachers and mentors responsible for monitoring and mentoring, as well as taking care of all organizational issues – starting from assistance in health matters to the provision of workwear.

The project will allow for further development of practical vocational training, including international cooperation to the created environment allowing students for comprehensive development including professional and social competences. Together with the development of ZS CKR potential and building the image of an open, mobile school, training in accordance with European standards, the school won’t develop only in its local activities, but also will take another very important step on the way to greater internationalization of its activities, bringing to itself, students and teachers, as well as the entire local community closer to Europe. The project will therefore provide strength and motivation for learning foreign languages, improving results in professional subjects, greater involvement in school life, as well as activities for creating and using existing chances and opportunities.

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Within the framework of the project „Conquering European practices from ZSZ Pułaski in Gorlice” (pl. “Podbój europejskich praktyk z ZSZ Pułaskiego w Gorlicach”) will be carried out between June 2019 and May 2020 and will be attended by 40 students from the ZSZ Pułaski in Gorlice who are trained in the profession of Building Technician (15 people) and Nutrition and Food Service Technician (25 people). Additionally, 4 teachers will be present during the trip, who will act as accompanying persons.

The aim of participation in the project is to create opportunities for professional, cultural and personal development of the students of ZSZ in Gorlice through the implementation of foreign internships in accordance with the framework internship program. Within the framework of the mobility the students will perform practical tasks under the guidance of a Greek mentor. An additional element will be a cultural programme in which the whole group will take advantage of interesting optional trips or leisure time animation.

Thanks to the project „Conquering European internships with ZSZ Pułaski in Gorlice” the participants will have the opportunity to gain professional experience on the international level, which will certainly increase their chances on the future labour market. The project will allow to use the theoretical knowledge acquired at school in practice. Thanks to the trip, language skills of both students and teachers will be significantly improved. The knowledge of English is nowadays the basic skill required by employers.

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A group of 20 students from the Specjalnego Ośrodka Szkolno-Wychowawczego im. J. Korczaka in Szymbark, who are trained in the profession of gardener technician, agricultural technician, cook technician and hotel service assistant, will take part in the project entitled „Young people from SOSW in Szymbark actively improve their competences” implemented in the period 09-2019 – 10-2020 in Greece.

The basic educational objectives of the project are professional development of the participants

– getting acquainted with the functioning of agricultural, gardening or catering services in companies cooperating with local and international contractors;

– getting to know the methods of management and organization of work and orders and deliveries on particular the levels of operation of the company concerned;

– the development of professional contacts which will enable interested parties to establish further international cooperation in the field of gardening, agriculture or catering.

  1. developing language skills

– practical application of English and Greek in everyday life;

– development of vocabulary related to the profession.

  1. developing intercultural competences

– establishing contacts with peers from abroad – exchange of experiences

– to learn about the history and culture of Greece

– ability to acclimate to a different cultural environment

The main objective of the project is the comprehensive personal and professional development of the trainees. Increase of entrepreneurship, creativity as well as development of professional competences. The internship, in addition to valuable and measurable development of professional competences, gives the opportunity to get to know another country, its culture, history and language. The diversity of climatic and natural conditions, the specificity of perceiving differences and similarities between individual countries and expanding the perspective of perceiving the world is an added value in itself. For many of the participants it will be the only such opportunity to go and bring positive changes to their lives.

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