Debrecen4U June 2, 2026

Debrecen Chemical Industry Technical School Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Debrecen’s Chemical Industry Technical School has become one of the country’s best-known institutions for chemical industry education, as announced at the celebration marking the school’s 75th anniversary. For decades, the institution has played a leading role in training chemical industry professionals while continuously adapting to the changing needs of the economy. In response to Debrecen’s industrial development, new vocational programmes will be added to its portfolio from September.

Approximately 150 specialists graduate from the Debrecen Vocational Training Centre’s Chemical Industry Technical School each year. Most students continue their studies at the University of Debrecen in engineering, natural sciences or health sciences, while many others enter the labour market immediately after completing the certified technician programme.

Over the past 75 years, the school’s educational portfolio has continuously adapted to the needs of the economy. There was a time when it also trained specialists for the printing industry, but in recent years it has focused primarily on responding to the needs of the chemical sector. In response to Debrecen’s economic growth, healthcare and environmental protection programmes will also be launched from September. “New companies establishing operations in Debrecen are not necessarily familiar with the chemical industry; rather, they view the world of work from a global and general perspective. Environmental protection, which also encompasses the chemical industry, increasingly appears to be moving to the forefront,” said Director Zoltán Szabó.

One of the keys to the institution’s success has been its ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, as highlighted by Sándor Szilágyi, Director General of the Debrecen Vocational Training Centre. A major milestone in the school’s history was the introduction of the certified technician programme, which simultaneously provides young people with a marketable qualification and a secure pathway to further education. “The launch of the bilingual education programme was also an important stage in our development. In today’s world, alongside professional expertise, a high level of foreign language competence is indispensable. The institution recognised this challenge and created a learning environment in which students can also acquire international competitiveness,” he said.

The Chemical Industry Technical School regularly consults its business and dual-training partners to ensure that its programmes remain aligned with labour market needs. Discussions are currently under way regarding future directions for cooperation. Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa emphasised that partnerships with the University of Debrecen and with pharmaceutical and chemical industry companies form the foundation for further development. “It is no longer possible to educate young people as if schools, universities and the business sector were separate worlds. The key to success is cooperation. It is ensuring that students truly learn what will be needed in the future. It is ensuring that companies do not merely expect workforce but participate in education as partners,” he said.

Anniversary celebrations included performances by students of the Chemical Industry Technical School.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu