Industry skills centres as institutions supporting the development of vocational education in Lower Silesia

Purpose:The main objective of this article is to present the role played by the Industry Skills Centres (ISC) in developing vocational education in Lower Silesia.The aim is to identify how ISCs can contribute to educational and economic development in the region.Design/methodology/approach: The author focused on analyzing available materials related to the role of Industry Skills Centres in the vocational education system, a new research area.Due to their innovative nature, the available literature is limited, and practical research is at an early stage of development.The bibliography, comprising seven entries, includes recent publications and materials, including government documents and organizations working in the field of education.Conclusions: Recently, the Lower Silesian Industry Skills Centres have gained a key role in the vocational education system, responding to the needs of the dynamically changing labour market.Their activities not only support local businesses in attracting skilled workers but also promote innovation and integrate education with industry.ISCs also play a crucial role in shaping the workforce necessary for developing critical economic sectors such as automotive, IT, and renewable energy.Investment in these institutions, including in the National Recovery Plan, emphasizes a long-term approach to vocational education reform and effective collaboration between educational institutions and employers.Research limitations/conclusions: As the available material on the above topics is limited and research on their effectiveness is still at an early stage, there is great potential for future research. Social implications:The Sectoral Skills Centres in Lower Silesia will play a fundamental role in shaping a modern vocational education system.Their activities prepare young people for the challenges of the labour market and contribute to regional and social development by providing local companies with qualified personnel.Critical to ISC's continued success will be stable financial support, infrastructure development, and partnerships with industry, strengthening the effectiveness of vocational education in the region.That being said, ISC also faces significant challenges.Among them is the need for stable funding, infrastructure upgrades, and closer business collaboration.The high cost of maintaining modern technology and appropriate learning environments can limit the availability of educational programs.Adapting educational offerings to the rapidly changing labour market remains a significant problem.Nonetheless, ISCs have the potential to become critical educational centres that offer quality education and training, which is essential in the face of the increasing demand for a skilled workforce.Originality/value: The article may interest teachers and educators who want to understand how collaboration between education and industry can influence the quality of vocational education.Those working in local government may find valuable information on strategies to promote vocational education that contribute to the development of their regions.The author aimed the article at various audiences, including, but not limited to, entrepreneurs and managers from local companies looking for qualified staff to employ.In addition, young people and their parents seeking information about vocational training opportunities can learn about ISC programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enhance employability.The article may also attract the attention of innovation and technology experts who see the potential in developing modern education programs.Finally, anyone interested in the future of the labour market and professional development can find relevant information on trends and challenges in vocational education, highlighting ISC as a critical player in this area.