The certified technician training programme, launched in Hungary in 2021 continues to gain popularity, with significant expansion achieved by the 2024/25 academic year. This is an upper secondary VET programme delivered in 5-year technicum schools, fostering excellence in VET and supporting student pathways to higher education and the labour market.
Key features of the certified technician training
The programme aims to enhance professional knowledge through advanced course content, such as specialised mathematics embedded in a tailored curriculum. Delivered in collaboration with higher education institutions and industry partners, the programme allows students to transition seamlessly into dual higher education programmes at companies where they held vocational training contracts. It is inclusive, with entry points designed for students after grade 8 or at the end of grade 10, enabling them to catch up and prepare for higher education-focused content in grade 11 within the upper secondary technicum framework. Graduates benefit from a competitive advantage during university admissions, with special scoring systems and recognition of up to 30 credits for bachelor programmes in the same sector. The ‘certified technician’ title reflects a higher level of expertise, recognised across institutions.
Rapid expansion and results
Since its introduction, the programme has expanded considerably:
- in 2021/22: 27 technicums (5-year upper secondary VET schools) across 10 sectors participated, with 13 university partners;
- for 2024/25: 145 technicums and 20 sectors are involved, with 27 universities as partners.
Oversubscription rates highlight the programme’s popularity, with some sectors seeing applications exceed available places by 7 to 23 times. The most popular fields include IT and telecommunications, economics and management, and electronics and electrical engineering. Participants typically achieve higher academic results than average, demonstrating the programme's success.
Innovative projects: environmental protection technician training
A standout example is the Environmental Technician Certified Programme at BMSzC Petrik Lajos Bilingual Technicum. Students contributed to research on sustainable land-use models to prevent urbanisation under an international consortium, working with the Municipality of Óbuda-Békásmegyer, Óbuda University and European municipalities. Their involvement spanned fieldwork, laboratory tests, and data documentation and processing.
Supporting future ambitions
The certified technician training aligns with Hungary's commitment to fostering motivated, knowledgeable students, equipping them for further education and employment opportunities. Its collaborative model promotes innovation and strengthens links between VET, higher education, and industry.
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Certified technician training information on the IKK Innovative Training Support Centre’s website
VET partners up with higher education to pursue excellence and inclusive growth
| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Hungary, & Cedefop (2025, January 9). Hungary: certified technician training boosts VET excellence. National news on VET. |