OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2013. The conclusion ceremony of a Moldovan-German project of vocational training in Moldova took place at the Chisinau-based no.1 vocational lyceum today. The project was carried out by the Moldovan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), in cooperation with the Moldovan Education Ministry, the German Ministry for Cooperation and Economic Development, the Koblenz-based Chamber of Handicraftsmen and the German Robert Bosch foundation.

At the opening of the event, the project’s coordinator, Peter Rechmann, underlined that eight workshops (for 15 areas) of three vocational schools from Chisinau and Balti cities have been assembled and endowed with up-to-date technical equipment during the 2007-2013 implementation period of the project. These schools prepare bakers, chefs, waiters, welders, plasterers, electricians, etc. Also, the project included elaboration of didactic materials, organisation of study visits and trainings for teachers in Germany and Moldova, scholarships for pupils, etc.

The CCI deputy chairman, Vladimir Didilica, thanked all partners, stressing that the CCI would continue the actions in the area. "Over 200 specialists from the local enterprises have already elevated their professional level in the new workshops. We wish the handicraftsmen to be well prepared, according to the market’s requirements. We also hope to have high competition during the enrolment period for the places provided by the vocational schools not only for those offered by the universities.

In the context, the CCI, the Education Ministry and the Economics Ministry signed a cooperation agreement on a more active involvement of the economy’s real sector in the early and continuous preparing process," Didilica said.

Acting Deputy Education Minister Igor Grosu praised the results achieved within the project and said that the Education Ministry had already got acquainted with how to make good account of the German experience, as the strategy on the vocational education system reform would be implemented in the near future. "The example provided by those three vocational schools shows that we can take over and successfully adapt to our country’s needs elements of the dual teaching system. I convinced myself of the fact that the German model efficiently works in all states, which have implemented it. The partnership between the public sector and the private one is important in order to ensure Moldova’s development," Grosu said.

Present at the event, German Ambassador to Moldova Matthias Meyer underscored that, namely in the periods of crisis, the dual system contributed to the middle class’ consolidation. "A very good vocational preparing may be even much more useful than higher education. Moldova is known due to her wines and traditional dishes and this kind of approach will bring you success. As the activities achieved together are valuable, we want to continue cooperation with you," Meyer said.

Presently, about 10 projects related to training teachers are being carried out by the CCI, together with different German partners.