The prefect of Trnava, Jozef Viskupič, and the rector of the University of Economics in Bratislava, Ferdinand Daňo, signed a memorandum of cooperation on Monday, May 9, 2022. Institutions are interested in effectively linking education with practice, promoting science and research, and contributing to solving societal challenges. Both parties also agreed to cooperate in preparing legislative and strategic materials and the mutual use of expertise.
"The cooperation with the universities operating in Trnava has proved successful for us. That is why I am glad that we are establishing good relations beyond our borders in the neighboring Bratislava region. We have agreed with the University of Economics in Bratislava on cooperation in exchanging knowledge and implementing projects. Its students will also be able to participate in our new 'Youth in Office' internship program," said the Trnava Prefect Jozef Viskupič.
The Rector of the University of Economics in Bratislava, Ferdinand Daňo, appreciated TTSK's initiative for closer cooperation and expressed his conviction that "thanks to the Memorandum it will be possible to more closely link academic education with practice also in the self-government area, in several sizes ranging from the preparation of final theses, internships to professional expert activities, including research and innovation. Cooperation could thus contribute to a broader diversity of professional experience and more effective stabilization of young talents in the region.
In 2019, the self-governing region of Trnava signed memoranda of cooperation with the University of Trnava, the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, and the Faculty of Materials and Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Trnava. They aim to coordinate the strategic objectives of the region's development, adapt scientific research activities to the needs of the area, and improve the quality of higher education to retain graduates in the region. Therefore, universities are also represented on the Partnership Board for the new EU funds and can apply for funding from the Recovery Plan. In this context, they are also assisted by the TTSK Office in Brussels, which has facilitated the involvement of academic bodies in the consortia of partners in two projects, namely to promote sustainable mobility and skills development in the chemical industry.
Trnava County has opened an internship program, “The Young at the Office," for full-time university students up to 26 years of age. During the year-long cycle, trainees will be involved in several disciplines and departments to improve their skills in the practice. The traineeship is remunerated at five euros per hour worked, with a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Beyond this program, TTSK offers shorter or more specific internships. For example, training at the TTSK Office in Brussels, which is possible to obtain an Erasmus+ grant, has proved successful.
