České dráhy in cooperation with the Academy of Crafts in Prague – Secondary Technical School is opening a new apprenticeship branch known as Rolling Stock Mechanic and Repairer from September. This branch is designed for pupils who want to specialise in the maintenance and repair of rolling stock and to become experts in the railway sector.
After many years, the apprenticeship branch of Rolling Stock Mechanic and Repairer will be renewed in Prague. The study of this branch will be possible thanks to the unique cooperation between the national carrier and the school, which arose from the shortage of workers in the repair disciplines. For example, České dráhy will provide lecturers for vocational subjects or facilities for practical training. The first pupils of the new apprenticeship branch will be welcomed at the school on 2 September at 8 a.m. 19 boys and one girl have enrolled in the first year. The apprenticeship branch is a three-year course and graduates will receive an apprenticeship certificate and job security. ČD, in turn, will gain quality employees who, thanks to the field of education and practical training directly in ČD's repair workshops, will not have to undergo long induction training periods.
Blanka Havelková, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of České dráhy for Human Resources, adds: “We are very pleased to be able to support young people in their interest in railway transport, together with the Academy of Crafts in Prague. The vocational training in the branch of rolling stock mechanic is crucial for the future of railways and we want to be there when new generations of specialised workers are being formed.”
A modern practical classroom was newly built for pupils in the Prague-Vršovice Maintenance Centre. The classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and tools which will enable students to acquire the practical skills needed for their future careers. Experienced experts from České dráhy will be involved in the teaching of vocational subjects, bringing direct contact with practice into the educational process.
This educational programme also includes the České dráhy's scholarship programme, which will provide students not only with financial support during their studies, but also ensure their employment after successful completion of their studies. “Students become our employees upon completion of their apprenticeship training programme, and this is a great motivation for us to provide them with the best education in the area and prepare them for their career,” says Michal Kraus, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of ČD for the Servicing Section.
Additional information on the ČD scholarship programme can be found on this website. The details relating to the new vocational training branch are available here.
![Mechanik](/sites/default/files/2024-08/Mechanik.jpg)