Local services
Vocational training in Debrecen offers opportunities for growth—an achievement supported by a decade of work by the organization. This was a central theme at the DSZC Jubilee Partner Meeting held on Friday.
The event took place at Lovarda, marking the 10th anniversary of the Debrecen Vocational Training Centre (DSZC). The key focus of the meeting was a vision for the future: a strong city built on collaboration and high-quality, efficient vocational training implemented with economic partners.
Since its establishment in 2015 and implementation of a renewed training system in 2019, DSZC has worked under the motto Vocational Training is the Future! to create a model that serves both the city and young people’s success. The new system is open and adaptable, supporting economic partnerships and higher education. It provides access to continued learning and the labour market, ensuring a solid future in Debrecen.
DSZC actively collaborates with other local entities, regional businesses, school districts, and church-supported institutions to achieve this. Over the past decade, student enrollment has grown from 7,500 to approximately 13,000, alongside the development of new locations. DSZC now works with over 250 active economic partners. The increase in numbers has been matched by improvements in quality, with DSZC institutions consistently appearing on national rankings and earning recognition from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.
At the event, Dr. Gergely Pálmai, Deputy State Secretary for Vocational Training at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, acknowledged the collective success of the past 10 years, made possible by partners, sponsors, and colleagues. He described the day as both a celebration and a milestone, marking the end of a successful decade and the beginning of a new one.
He noted that the vocational training system had undergone significant transformation alongside its economic partners. The system’s success is reflected in the growing number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools and the strong performance of Hungarian participants in international competitions such as EuroSkills and WorldSkills.
He emphasised that vocational training has become the gateway to higher education, enabling students to gain professional experience and additional credit points while earning both a qualification and a diploma. He concluded that vocational training offers the potential for both career growth and a secure future.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Lajos Barcsa provided an overview of the city’s decade-long cooperation with DSZC, highlighting that 10 years ago, a forward-thinking decision created an independent, flexible vocational training system capable of responding quickly to economic needs. DSZC recognised its role and responsibility in this model from the start. Barcsa described the anniversary as a milestone for past successes and future opportunities. DSZC offers training across nearly all sectors, and through dual education with corporate partners, it ensures that students receive not just education but an actual career path. He underscored the necessity of a skilled workforce for Debrecen’s rapid economic growth, with DSZC playing a key role in meeting this demand. Its 11 institutions have undergone significant infrastructural development in recent years. However, modern knowledge is not just about machinery; students must be prepared for artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and technological advancements—all conveyed through a human-centred, value-driven approach. The deputy mayor stressed that vocational training’s strength lies in its ability to meet the needs of Debrecen and the region. He added that city leadership is committed to ensuring young people have a future in Debrecen, encouraging them to study, work, start families, and build happy lives in Debrecen. He thanked the DSZC staff for their daily efforts to secure this vision for the students.
DSZC Director General Sándor Szilágyi reflected on the economic developments in the city and the country over the past decade, describing Debrecen’s modern industrial revolution as closely intertwined with DSZC’s growth. He emphasised that collaboration is a hallmark of the city, as demonstrated by businesses and educational institutions working together toward a shared future. Based on its progress over the past decade, DSZC is moving in the right direction. While challenges remain in adapting to an evolving economic landscape, he expressed confidence that, alongside partners, DSZC will continue contributing significantly to the economic development of both Debrecen and the wider region. The 11 DSZC institutions are producing graduates equipped with market-relevant skills, and he expressed gratitude to partners, instructors, and colleagues for their dedication over the past 10 years. He concluded with a vision for continued cooperation in shaping students into key economic contributors.
The meeting also featured a presentation by DSZC Chancellor Zsolt Tirpák titled 10 Years, 10 Reasons Why Vocational Training is the Future, covering milestones of the past decade. His presentation discussed the vocational training system, Debrecen’s economy, business partnerships, organisational functions, societal integration, and adult education. He outlined upcoming infrastructural developments, including facility upgrades, new equipment, and expanded campuses. He also highlighted significant funding opportunities for internationalisation efforts and budgetary frameworks. He thanked all corporate partners, educators, and vocational professionals, acknowledging their contributions to DSZC’s achievements.
More than 130 guests representing various business partners and organisations attended the event.
Source: and photo credit: debrecen.hu
