The ORLEN Group invests in the education of future engineers
ORLEN, ORLEN Południe and Silesian University of Technology will jointly provide education for staff who will support business in its sustainable development in the future. As part of the cooperation, the company has taken over the patronage of a new field of engineering studies “Sustainable Consumption and Production,” which will offer students the opportunity to acquire unique knowledge and participate in professional internships. Enrolment for studies will begin in May.
The Patronage Agreements were signed by: Prof Marek Pawelczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Ireneusz Fafara, President of Orlen, Mikołaj Wierzbicki, President of Orlen Południe. The ceremony took place at the Student Creativity Centre of the Silesian University of Technology.
“Sustainable development is the main direction of Orlen’s strategy for the next 10 years We have ambitious, long-term plans and resources, but we also need new competencies and specialists to coordinate, integrate and oversee activities in this area. Taking patronage over studies at the Silesian University of Technology is therefore an investment in the future. We will share our operational and business experience with students, thanks to which we will gain a real impact on the quality of education of young people who will be responsible for the implementation of sustainable energy transformation in the near future.” – says Ireneusz Fafara, President of the Management Board of Orlen.
The new field of study stands out from others in Poland in that it combines three educational paths that are very necessary on the labour market - in the field of sustainable management of raw materials and materials, sustainable energy and sustainable production and consumption management.
“The dynamically developing cooperation with Orlen, one of the largest and most modern companies in Europe, is a proof of the potential of the Silesian University of Technology and our justified ambitions to face the most important scientific, civilizational, and broadly understood progress challenges. We are closely observing the reality, and we are aware of the needs of the economy and the demand for top-class specialists. That is why today we are offering a comprehensive education in a new profession. Responsible consumption and production are also the foundation of the European University EURECA-PRO, which the Silesian University of Technology co-creates together with eight foreign universities.” - sums up the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology prof Marek Pawełczyk.
Graduates of the “Sustainable Consumption and Production” course will be specialists in the field of sustainable development, prepared to implement modern solutions that minimize the impact of human activities on the environment. Thanks to their comprehensive education, including practices in the ORLEN Group and the City Hall of Gliwice, they will have the knowledge and skills to implement activities in the areas of responsible and effective development of raw materials and energy policy, circular economy, and supply chains.
"In times of dynamic changes in the labour market, technological and social revolution, new competences are needed, the ability to draw from different perspectives. The strength of the new field of studies at the Silesian University of Technology is its interdisciplinarity. Business and science should work together to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Graduates with engineering competence and knowledge of the new development framework will be valuable candidates for us.” – the President of the Management Board du Orlen South Mikołaj Wierzbicki.
As the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok emphasized, the University, by creating new fields of study, responds to the demands of modern industry.
The World Economic Forum in Davos announced what jobs will be needed in the labour market in 2030. In addition to AI experts, sustainability experts will also be needed. So, we try to meet new requirements and educate our students in such fields, after which they will be irreplaceable on the labour market – emphasizes Vice-Rector Chrobok.
“We are glad that the University analyses reports, researches the market, needs of employers and on this basis new fields of study are opened. For my faculty, this is also important because we will be part of this innovation, because it is the first such studies in Poland.” – adds Anna Piotrowska, a representative of the Student Government at the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
Local governments - the city of Gliwice and Rybnik.were also partners in creating the new field of studies.
“There is nothing more important than sustainable development, taking care that the city in all its areas develops in a sustainable way, on the one hand taking care of the environment and on the other, the financial condition of the city. The fact that in Gliwice we will educate specialists in this area is very good information for the city. Thus, jobs for graduates will be found both in local government and in municipal companies or in the modern industry that functions here” – says Katarzyna Kuczyńska Budka, president of Gliwice.
“Cooperation between the city, university and state-owned companies is something that can create a new reality. Creating initiatives that show that the modern economy can develop in our cities is something we care about very much. It also shows that transformation can be friendly.” – emphasizes Vice President of Rybnik Wojciech Kiljańczyk.
The new field of study “Sustainable Consumption and Production” will start from the new academic year.
