Renáta Valeková's Vision for the Future of Technical Education

As industries in Slovakia adapt to the challenges of digitalization, electrification, and renewable energy, the need for a highly skilled workforce has never been greater. Renáta Valeková, Chairwoman of the Dual Academy, has been at the forefront of this transformation since her appointment in August 2021. Under her leadership, the Dual Academy has undergone a significant modernization effort, including renovations and investments in advanced training technologies designed to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

Under her leadership, the Dual Academy established Slovakia's first inter-company vocational training center, which currently collaborates with around 30 industry partners. This partnership model aims to ensure that the education provided aligns closely with real-world industry needs, thereby enhancing the employability of graduates. The Academy is not only focused on meeting immediate workforce requirements but is also positioning itself as a Center of Excellence in vocational education, particularly in the automotive and renewable energy sectors.

A key element of her vision is her commitment to empowering young women in technical fields through initiatives such as the "I Am an Expert" initiative, launched in 2022. The initiative aims to break down stereotypes surrounding technical careers and make engineering and technology more accessible to girls. By actively encouraging female participation in these fields, she is not only addressing gender imbalances but also enriching the talent pool in technical professions.

Recognizing that employers increasingly value interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise, she also introduced a mobile phone-free school policy. She personally leads workshops to help students develop these essential competencies, which are increasingly sought after by employers. This holistic approach to education not only helps students develop technical expertise but also prepares them for successful careers.

Valeková’s efforts contribute to a broader vision of vocational education that responds to the evolving needs of Slovakia’s labor market. By strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, she is helping to build a highly skilled, future-ready workforce capable of succeeding in an increasingly competitive global economy.