President Kiska signs bill on dual education into law

On Wednesday President Andrej Kiska signed into law a new bill on dual education. The legislation is aimed primarily at providing a smooth transition for students from vocational secondary schools to the labour market without the need for further complex training from employers. According to the proposal, the theoretical part of the education process will be carried out at schools, while the practical training will be entrusted to companies. In practice, employers who decide to join the project will enter into learning contracts with secondary school students, who will undergo placements at the company. The system is beneficial for students as that they will be entitled to receive remuneration for their work, while the companies will be motivated by state-granted tax relief. The Government has allocated €26 million for this purpose until 2018, with the law coming into effect on 1 April and its stipulations to become valid as of 1 September.