Students of the modernized program “Information Processing and Software Operator” received two new computer labs for 32 desks. New computer labs will help them to improve their skills and apply their knowledge in practice.
The modernization program at vocational school №29 has been launched as part of the Lviv IT Cluster Academy project, in partnership with IT professionals.The project aims to revolutionize the learning process by integrating modern technologies in the curriculum of vocational schools. The project is supported by the Lviv City Council, the Lviv Regional State Administration, EPAM and KIVSH, a multifunctional creative space for business development, contributed to the renovation of labs.
Lviv IT Cluster has already launched 17 innovative Bachelor’s programs at three universities in Lviv: Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv Polytechnic National University and Lviv State University of Life Safety. This successful experience has prompted the community to transform vocational education.
“We sincerely believe that vocational education is a driver of human capital in the world. It deserves more attention that it’s now received in Ukraine. This motivates us to strive for change. I am convinced that this project will be the start of a major transformation of vocational education,” says Ivan Babichuk, Supervisory Board Chairman of Lviv IT Cluster.
The first updated program was launched at the vocational school №29 in September. 28 students are now studying the basics of programming. This is a unique project for Lviv, because previously there hasn’t been any changes in industry-specific vocational education for years.
“Lviv IT Cluster Academy is not just about opening brand-new computer labs, but also about modernizing the curriculum and opening modern maths classrooms. We are also planning to launch STEM labs next year. In fact, there will be a whole technology center in our school,” says proudly Roman Stetskyi, the principal of the vocational school №29.
“We have high expectations for Lviv IT Cluster Academy. We hope that this project will pay more attention to vocational schools in the tech field. Students of this modernized curriculum will be able to work at tech companies, do interesting projects and receive well-paid jobs in just 3 years from now,” adds Stepan Veselovskyi, СЕО of Lviv IT Cluster.
Students of the program are already learning the basics of programming and creating the first projects. Employees from Lviv IT companies are involved in the teaching process. In particular, they teach the basics of programming and English for professional purposes.
“Our company offers internship programs and students have several opportunities to join them. After a successful internship, you can become an EPAM employee. We invest in the education and development of the young generation because that’s how modern global business works. It is responsible for the environment in which it operates,” says Oleksandr Tkachenko, Head of EPAM University training programs in the South and West regions.
“It is very valuable for us to be co-creators of Lviv IT Cluster Academy. After all, the new education is one of the vectors of our creative space. Today, IT is a driver of the creative industry, so it is important that students have access to the latest technologies. We have created a comfortable space for innovative learning. In this way, we want to help students integrate into an environment of continuous development and creativity. I am convinced that quality education will ensure a successful future for young people, Lviv and Ukraine. Quality education offers new views, bold ideas, better solutions,” highlights Kateryna Knyzhytska, СЕО of KIVSH creative space.
The opening ended with a motivational lecture on how to successfully enter the tech industry by Oleksandr Tkachenko. He shared his experience working for tech enterprises and gave students the ins and outs of the high tech world.