ZalaZONE Industrial Park, Hungary
"ZalaZONE Trainee Program"
ZalaZONE Trainee Program strengthens the practical experience of economics and engineering students within the framework of the Triple Helix model, thus complementing the academic knowledge, facilitating integration into the labour market, as all competencies are provided for a smooth start to work, which provides a significant competitive advantage for fresh graduates.
Purpose of the solution
The main goal of this innovation is to raise students' competence levels and facilitate their entry into the labour market after graduation. Trainee participants in our internship program gain practical experience through real projects on days integrated into the curriculum, while part-time students flexibly engage with corporate life on a weekly basis. They also offer students the opportunity to complete their mandatory internship, and we welcome students for individual cooperation, allowing them to contribute to tasks on their chosen working days.
A significant advantage of the ZalaZONE internship program is that talent development can be effectively implemented for all participants throughout the 7-semester university education recognized within the Hungarian and European systems. To foster dynamic professional growth, the professional training of students is supported by qualified mentors. From their first semester, students are involved in real projects, and as their academic progress advances, the professionalism of their tasks and competencies is strengthened. Students undertake their tasks at the training facility within a structured framework.
The primary goal of the first semester is to familiarize students with the ecosystem and its partners, after which the focus shifts to corporate integration and the development of marketable competencies. This development is further supported by the professional competence lab, which aims to expand students' practical knowledge, deepen the theoretical knowledge acquired at the university, and provide new experiences beyond the scope of the academic framework. The competence lab also aids in assessing students' skills and areas for development, enabling mentors to provide focused guidance. The training facility adapts flexibly to market changes, ensuring the acquisition of up-to-date knowledge.
Impact
The primary goal of ZalaZONE Industrial Park Plc. is to ensure a smooth transition into the labour market for graduate students. As a result, the majority of our students receive a job opportunity within the ZalaZONE ecosystem immediately after completing their bachelor's degree. By doing so, we not only promote the employment of recent graduates but also actively contribute to retaining the region's high value-added workforce.
Furthermore, for companies establishing operations in the ZalaZONE Science Park, we provide a qualified workforce with relevant experience, reducing the initial difficulties associated with the integration of new hires. Within the framework of our trainee program, 635 students have gained practical experience to date, with nearly 40% having participated in engineering training. This is largely due to the proximity of the ZalaZONE Proving Ground and the automotive industry focus of the science park.
In addition, ZalaZONE employs a significant number of students in economics trainee programs (20%) and students on flexible work schedules (30%). The Park also welcomes students for their required last practical academic semester and before university for summer internships in the park, which provides an opportunity to fully leverage the ecosystem's capabilities, allowing us to identify talent at a young age and encourage their further education. With an important mission for the ecosystem in mind, attracting and increasing the number of female engineers is also crucial. Through project-based experience, internal training, and personalized mentoring, all students undergo significant professional development.
What is innovative about it?
Compared to typical internship programs in Hungary, the ZalaZONE ecosystem offers a unique solution by working concurrently with nearly 100 students annually from seven different universities. To enhance students' professional knowledge, the ecosystem dedicates significant human resources to mentoring. This substantial student body enables students to learn not only within the educational framework but also from their peers, fostering the development of relevant skills.
The appeal of this program is further strengthened by the opportunity for students to build relationships with not just one, but 32 companies within the ecosystem, leading to diverse and real-world work experience. The high quality of our training is ensured by specialized programs, including our collabouration with the Zalaegerszeg Sectoral Training Center, which offers practical training in a real production environment for individuals pursuing careers in mechanical engineering and mechatronics. Furthermore, the students have the opportunity to participate in vehicle development competitions like FS East, and benefit from diverse workshops and events, such as the annual Researchers' Night program series.
The ongoing expansion of the ZalaZONE Science Park facilitates dynamic recruitment, enabling them to offer students opportunities for workplace integration even after their seven-semester engagement here. Due to the current exponentially increasing development curve, the demand for skilled labour is continuously rising, creating further job opportunities for students seeking to work in an innovative environment.
Who are the main users?
The main users of the trainee program are students of ZalaZONE. These students complete their higher education training under the auspices of seven different universities, so in addition to the students, the entire ZalaZONE ecosystem, the related companies, universities and the wider region also enjoy the benefits of the program.
Who runs it?
The coordination and development of the ZalaZONE trainee program is entirely the responsibility of ZalaZONE Industrial Park Plc., and active cooperation between the organizations of the ecosystem also promotes the high-quality operation of the internship program.