The first public higher education institution, the Public Vocational University, will be established in Grudziadz. This decision was decreed by the Minister of Education and Science, Przemysław Czarnek, and the ceremony took place on the premises of the Military Armament Works (WZU) in Grudziądz, which is the initiator of the university’s establishment.

The Public Vocational University in Grudziądz will begin operations on 1 January 2024. The request for its establishment was made by the President of the Management Board of the WZU in Grudziądz.

The establishment of this higher education institution is part of the government’s policy on vocational education. “We are rebuilding it from the ground up into higher education. All to ensure that the market, which needs qualified staff, can indeed receive it. And this includes young people after secondary schools as well as higher education. The Public Vocational School in Grudziądz is also needed for this”, said Minister Czarnek.

The higher education institution will run BA studies with a practical profile in ‘Mechatronics’, allowing students to obtain the title of professional engineer. This will help prepare a qualified workforce for the needs of local industry, including armaments, while contributing to the strengthening of the socio-economic potential of the Grudziądz region.

“Mechatronics, has an important justification in relation to the development of the company and the constant demand for qualified staff who are familiar with the specifics of the industry. This is a special, unique moment, not only for WZU, but also for the city and its community”, explained Piotr Tefelski, President of the Management Board of WZU.

The educational offer will respond to the needs of regional employers, in particular manufacturing concerns involved in the technical modernisation programmes of the Polish Armed Forces.

The first students will begin their studies from the 2024/2025 academic year. Ultimately, in the first year, the university is expected to educate 50 students, who will be guaranteed internships in companies from the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, as well as in companies belonging to the Polish Armed Forces Group.

Adrian Andrzejewski