The Moravian-Silesian Technological Academy (MTA) organized an inspiring international visit to the educational and innovation center TKNIKA in the Basque Country, Spain. Accompanied by the Deputy Governor for Education, Jan Veřmiřovský, representatives from six vocational secondary schools in the Moravian-Silesian Region took part in the trip. The goal was to gain new insights and explore one of the most progressive vocational education systems in Europe.
TKNIKA – The Inspiration Behind the Creation of MTA
TKNIKA, based in the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, has long been recognized as a European leader in vocational education innovation. This very model was one of the key sources of inspiration for the establishment of the Moravian-Silesian Technological Academy.
During the visit, participants had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of current research projects and to visit partner vocational schools, witnessing firsthand how close collaboration between teaching, technology, and businesses works in practice.
Key Topics Shaping Vocational Education
TKNIKA is currently focused on research and development in fields that are equally critical for the Czech labor market. Key areas include:
• Smart homes and their integration into education
• Precision agriculture and the use of sensors in real-world environments
• Robotic welding systems and automation of manufacturing processes
These directions align closely with MTA’s priorities for the development of new EduBoxes and training programs for technical and vocational teachers.
Schools Participating in the Visit
Representatives from a diverse range of fields and regions joined the trip, including:
• Secondary School of Technical Fields, Opava
• Secondary Technical School of Construction, Havířov
• Secondary Medical School, Karviná
• Secondary Medical School, Ostrava
• Secondary Technical School, Ostrava-Vítkovice
For each school, the visit was valuable not only in terms of teaching inspiration but also for the opportunity to establish international contacts with like-minded institutions across Europe.
What We Took Away
• Confirmation that collaboration between schools, research institutions, and businesses is key to high-quality vocational education
• The realization that innovation doesn’t have to come from the top down, but can emerge directly from cooperation with teachers and students
• New contacts and proposals for international partnerships
• And most importantly – the inspiration to continue developing EduBoxes, dissemination workshops, and new professional development programs
This trip confirmed that connecting practice, education, and innovation works—and that the Moravian-Silesian Region has the potential to be a leader in vocational education not just within the Czech Republic, but across all of Europe.
Thank you to all participants—we look forward to our next steps together!
