Summer VET Academy for Girls – TUKE Faculty of Civil Engineering 2024
From 10 to 21 June 2024, 20 secondary school girls had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with a particular focus on sustainable energy and green buildings. This Summer VET Academy took place at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University of Košice and was organised in cooperation with educational institutions, associations, a chamber, and industry partners.
Our institution prepared a unique programme combining theoretical knowledge with practical activities, providing participants with a comprehensive, stimulating, and inspiring learning experience. The aim of the academy was not only to broaden their knowledge, but also to motivate them towards further study and future careers in technical and environmentally oriented fields.
We introduced the girls to the SECOVE project and to the main theme of the academy: green and blue infrastructure for a sustainable future. During the two-week programme, the participants became familiar with inspiring stories shared by the “junior ambassadors of the day,” who presented their own journeys, motivation, achievements, and areas of interest. The “senior ambassadors” — respected professors and experts — delivered lectures on topics such as climate change, human impacts, pollution and waste, sustainable water and energy management, environmental building certification, and flood risks.
The programme also included visits to well-equipped laboratories and expert excursions focused on renewable energy sources, timber buildings, the greenest administrative building, and living labs of green and blue roof structures. These activities enabled the participants to see the connection between theory and real-life practice and to better understand the importance of sustainable solutions in construction and urban development.
The girls also worked on various team assignments and two-week projects aimed at applying elements of green architecture in both interior and exterior spaces. At the end of the academy, they presented their proposals and solutions, which were remarkably creative, innovative, and inspiring. Their effort, active participation, and commitment were recognised and appreciated by the organisers and partner institutions.
The Summer VET Academy for Girls demonstrated that young women have great potential to succeed in technical and scientific fields when they are given the right opportunities, support, and motivation. At the same time, the event contributed to promoting gender equality in vocational education and training and to fostering interest in a sustainable future among the younger generation.
