Czech Footwear and Leather Association (ČOKA) Paves the Way for the Future of Footwear and Plastics Manufacturing
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The Czech Footwear and Leather Association (ČOKA), in collaboration with the Zlín Region, the Secondary Polytechnic School – Center for Vocational Training Zlín (SPŠP – COP Zlín), and the Plastics Cluster, has initiated the creation of a new high school program, "Technical Lyceum – Footwear and Plastics Manufacturing Specialization." The goal is to ensure a qualified workforce and attract the younger generation to study this promising field.
Based on a petition initiated by ČOKA and signed by footwear and plastics companies, a working group was formed, comprising representatives from the Zlín Region, SPŠP – COP Zlín, and the Plastics Cluster. This group worked intensively to transform the framework educational program into a modern school curriculum that reflects the current needs of the industry.
The new high school program, "Technical Lyceum – Footwear and Plastics Manufacturing Specialization," has been designed to meet companies' demands for a qualified workforce. The curriculum not only includes modern theoretical education but also significantly increases the number of practical training hours directly in companies, enabling students to gain valuable experience and better prepare for their future careers.
The goal is to launch the new program in the 2025/2026 school year, ensuring full capacity with at least 20 students in the first year. To achieve this, an intensive promotional campaign has been prepared. ČOKA, in collaboration with companies, raised CZK 200,000 to support marketing activities. The campaign includes advertisements in magazines, trolleybuses, and on social media, ensuring effective communication with the younger generation.
This new program will not only secure a qualified workforce for the footwear and plastics industries in the Zlín Region but also provide attractive educational opportunities for young people. Thanks to the initiative of ČOKA and its partners, a unique foundation is being created for the future development of these traditional yet constantly innovative industries.