A regular meeting of members and partners of Technological Initiative Pilsen (TIP) took place at the company Gerresheimer Horsovsky Tyn on 9th October 2013. Helmut Schweiger, Managing Director of Gerresheimer Horsovsky Tyn, opened the meeting by introducing the company. Gerresheimer is a leading international manufacturer of top-quality special glass and plastic products for global pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. The plant in Horšovský Týn specializes in the production of inhalers, insulin pens, drug testers, dialyzer parts, etc. In 2012, its production capacity was expanded by adding a new manufacturing facility and a fully automated warehouse.
The main topic discussed at the meeting was involvement of members, potential members and partners in the project for supporting technical education. Gerresheimer presented its training centre built in partnership with the Vocational School in Domažlice. Pavel Duchek, TIP Secretary-General, informed all the participants that the TIP Association has joined the Technical Education Committee which was formed upon the initiative of the Governor of the Pilsen Region Milan Chovanec in partnership with the Pilsen Region Chamber of Commerce. TIP supports all activities aimed at the revitalization of specialized technical education in the Czech Republic and overall enhancement of technical education. In the discussion, all participants agreed on TIP implementing and supporting a partnership between the member companies and primary and secondary schools in the region. TIP calls on primary and secondary schools located near the member companies to establish active collaboration.
TIP representatives did not agree with the document “Information on the Preparation of Educational Policy Strategy of the Czech Republic until 2020”, which is being prepared by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The material does not include support for technical education as a fundamental prerequisite for economic development of the Czech Republic.
Furthermore, Richard Brunner, Head of IHK Regensburg in Cham, presented an unconventional and efficient tool for the promotion of technical education. He introduced a case with technical tools and a case containing Lego Technic. All the members agreed that this was a good way of promoting the topic at schools and that they would support partner schools by purchasing these educational aids.
R. Brunner cordially invited TIP representatives for a field trip aimed at the presentation of research projects and facilities of the University of West Bohemia, supporting collaboration between companies and schools. This event will take place at the University of South Bohemia in Pilsen on 5th November 2013. See
http://www.ihk-regensburg.de/ihk-r/autoupload/officefiles/Fachexkursion_Pilsen_2013_11_05.pdf
In conclusion, it was stated that the association would actively pursue other joint projects, primarily the joint procurement project.
On behalf of TIP: Ing. Pavel Peták Technological Initiative Pilsen, z.s.p.o.
