UPSKILLING: a new MANS project to develop skills for the labour market

,,UPSKILLING - support for students and staff conducting training on selected courses at the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża”

MANS implements an innovative educational project to prepare students for the challenges of today's labour market

MANS has initiated an ambitious educational project aimed at raising the skills and comprehensively preparing students and staff for dynamically changing labour market conditions, the demands of entrepreneurs and increasing their ability to work in the EU market. This initiative includes the modification of curricula, the implementation of additional practical activities, paid internships in foreign and domestic companies and the development and strengthening of key skills needed in each field.

Modifications of education programmes in selected directions

As part of the project, the university will focus on updating curricula in three strategic areas: Agriculture, Logistics and Construction, by adapting the content of training to modern sectoral and horizontal challenges.

• Agriculture: New subjects such as 'Biostimulation and biological plant protection' and 'Sustainable and regenerative agriculture' will be introduced. The content of the programme will also be modified to take into account issues related to circularity and green infrastructure in agriculture.
• Logistics: Subjects on modern technologies will be included, including 'Managing a zero-emission fleet'. In addition, the study programme will be enriched with knowledge on closed loop logistics and reverse logistics.
• Construction: The curriculum will be updated to include issues related to green infrastructure, circularity and the circular economy, allowing future engineers to better respond to the growing demands of sustainable construction.

Additional classes and courses for students

Additional courses and specialised activities will be organised for students in each of these areas, which will enable them to acquire valuable certificates and practical skills.

• Agriculture: Students will have the opportunity to obtain certificates such as ISO Internal Auditor of the Quality Management System, Certified Quality Manager or Internal Auditor of the Food Safety Management System free of charge. In addition, courses on farm energy efficiency and drone piloting will be available.
• Construction: Free training will be offered in energy audits, building permits, universal design and architectural accessibility. Students will gain knowledge of EU energy efficiency policies and design according to these principles.
• Logistics: Students will be able to attend free courses on project management in the eMobility, electromobility and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sectors under the Smart Cities concept. There will also be drone piloting and fork-lift training courses along with the UDT exam.

Key skills for all directions

As part of the project, students from all disciplines will also develop key interpersonal and managerial skills that are essential in any industry. These include, inter alia:

• Communication skills training,
• The art of public presentations and speeches,
• Time management, planning and organization,
• Negotiations and influence techniques,
• Team management and cooperation in a diverse team,
• Conflict resolution and stress management.

In addition, language courses, including English, will be organised to provide free certificates of proficiency in a particular language.

Preparing for labour market requirements

A final but equally important element of the project is additional practical activities, which will allow students to gain real-world experience and skills necessary for starting their professional careers. With a wide range of courses and certificates, paid internships at home and abroad, MANS graduates will be well prepared for the challenges of today's labour market.

This project is the university's response to the dynamically changing demands of the labour market, where modern technologies, sustainability and flexibility and adaptability to new challenges play a key role.

Enhancing the quality of education in MANS

As part of the project, the University staff will enhance their competences in teaching, using digital and language tools through specialist training. He will also learn about the requirements of national and foreign employers through study visits and job shadowing with employers at foreign universities.

New teaching workshops will be set up, equipped with modern simulators and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The university will be more open to the needs of people with disabilities.

The project is financed by the European Union under the European Social Development Funds programme, Priority ERDF.01.00 Action ERDF.01.05.