Dual education plan is flawed, says MP

The education system is like an old neglected house into which the wind blows, and the only ones who actually take care of it are teachers and students, stated MP Juraj Miškov (Independent) on Wednesday, adding that none of the post-Velvet Revolution governments has dealt with the education system in a comprehensive way and that the situation won't be improved by the bill concerning vocational education, either. "The idea of dual education is good, but the bill looks as if we wanted to treat flu with a plaster. It isn't going to hurt, but it actually won't help, either", said Miškov, adding that the act is tailored to the biggest companies, which will profit. "Medium-sized and small entrepreneurs who could take part in the programme will be docked, despite being the spine of the economy", he argued. According to the bill, which is currently in Parliament, the theoretical part of the education process will be carried out in schools, while the practical training will be entrusted to companies. "We want to do our utmost to inspire greater interest in vocational education on the part of students, and to enable employers to participate directly in the education of young people and to hire these young people", said Prime Minister Robert Fico. MP Jozef Kollár (Independent) noted that the Education, Science, Research and Sport Ministry expects 1,500 students to participate in the programme in the first year, or three students per school. In practice, employers who decide to join the project will enter into learning contracts with secondary school students, who will undergo a placement at the company. The students will be entitled to receive remuneration for their work, while the companies will be motivated by tax relief. The Government has allocated €26 million to this effect until 2018. The level of the tax relief granted will be the same for all participating firms.