The retraining of former mine workers, the development of road and cycling infrastructure, and the modernization of vocational education are among the key projects of the Trenčín Region in the transforming Upper Nitra area. Since the future begins in schools, high-quality education using modern technologies, tailored to the needs of the labor market, is a strategic step in transforming this formerly coal-based region into an attractive, sustainable, and self-sufficient part of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region.
The region will invest approximately €24 million in supporting the modernization of secondary vocational education, with nearly €22 million covered by resources from the Just Transition Fund and €2 million financed from the regional budget. In addition to the latest technologies and renovated facilities, educational programs are being updated to reflect labor market demands, and an equally important component is the training of teachers.
Reconstruction in Nováky
Seven secondary schools under the authority of the Trenčín Region are involved in the project aimed at modernizing vocational education and improving the quality and expertise of teaching in the Upper Nitra region. These schools are located in the districts of Prievidza and Partizánske, which are also the only districts in the region eligible for funding from the Just Transition Fund. Among them is the Secondary Vocational School in Nováky, where the project represents an investment of more than €3.7 million, with nearly €300,000 covered from the regional budget. “Interior spaces in Block A are being reconstructed to serve as modernized classrooms. Of the total project budget, as much as €1.8 million is allocated for classroom equipment,” said Governor Jaroslav Baška, adding that fourteen classrooms will be equipped with the latest technologies. These include robotics workstations, a mechanical workshop, a virtual reality classroom, facilities for working with plastics, as well as language and technical drawing classrooms. An essential part of the project is also the training of teachers in vocational subjects, enabling them to use the new equipment effectively.
Reconstruction of the Secondary Vocational School in Handlová.
Construction work in Prievidza
Intensive construction activity is also transforming the Business Academy in Prievidza into a modern, green, and digital school. Renovated spaces and modern equipment, complemented by teacher training and a newly introduced bilingual study program, will shape education at the school from the next academic year. Extensive construction work is underway, including interior surface renovations, adjustments to door openings, installation of electrical systems, plumbing and cooling systems, as well as site improvements and external drainage. However, construction is only one of the four main components of the modernization project. Another key activity is the update of two educational programs – Business Academy and post-secondary studies in Economic Informatics – along with the development of a new bilingual Business Academy program aimed at strengthening students’ competencies and aligning education with labor market requirements. The modernization of the Prievidza academy alone will account for nearly €3 million of the total €24 million package, with more than €2.7 million covered by the Just Transition Fund and the remaining nearly €240,000 financed by the region.
Modernization at the medical school
Modern technologies are also being introduced at the Secondary Medical School in Prievidza, where they enable students to better prepare for real-world practice. The modernization project at this school has already been completed and has delivered state-of-the-art equipment reflecting the current needs of the healthcare sector. “Thanks to the project, we have obtained professional medical equipment, ICT classrooms, and training for our teachers,” said school principal Soňa Rausová. Among the most advanced tools are clinical case simulators, patient care training devices, virtual reality for anatomy, and a hospital information system. “We want the profession to be attractive to our students. We have equipment at a 21st-century level that can truly engage them,” she added. As in other schools, the project also includes teacher training, in this case focusing on modern teaching methods, cybersecurity, and time management. The investment, which is moving the school forward, exceeds €740,000.
Cybersecurity in Handlová
The Trenčín Region is also improving the quality and expertise of teaching at the Secondary Vocational School in Handlová. “The school received €4 million from the Just Transition Fund. The overall modernization project, worth approximately €4.6 million, will be co-financed by the region,” said Governor Jaroslav Baška. The largest portion of the investment is directed toward new technological equipment. “The school will have a unique cybersecurity classroom and a virtual reality classroom, representing advanced 21st-century technologies. In engineering fields, there will be new facilities for robotic and virtual welding, and students can also look forward to a CNC programming classroom,” explained school director Maroš Štorcel, emphasizing that this is the largest investment in the institution’s history, turning it into a modern educational center. According to him, this will enable the school to provide education that meets current labor market demands. In addition to technological upgrades, the project includes reducing energy consumption and a complete reconstruction of interior and exterior spaces of one of the buildings, as well as training for teaching staff. In addition to the four schools mentioned, three more institutions under the Trenčín Region – the Secondary Vocational School of Trade and Services in Prievidza, the Secondary Vocational School in Prievidza, and the Secondary Vocational School in Partizánske – will gradually undergo modernization. The Upper Nitra region will thus gain a qualified workforce, forming a strong and sustainable foundation for the transformation of the entire area.
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