Factsheet for measure
EE-2023-45/3449
– measures in Estonia
Engineering Academy initiative to address lack of engineers
Inseneriakadeemia
Background information
The development of technology and the green transition means that the labour market need for engineers is growing. Research by the national labour market monitoring and future skills forecasting system OSKA suggests that in most manufacturing professions, there is not enough graduates to cover the labour market needs. Number of students is decreasing in technology, manufacturing and construction curriculums.
Engineering Academy aims to intensify collaboration between public sector, schools and entrepreneurs, as well as between professional associations and companies in different industries.
The aim of Engineering Academy is to raise the quality of education in the field and promote the popularity of engineering in order to meet future labour market needs.
The measure is legally regulated by Ministry of Education and Research and overseen by Education and Youth Board.
Content of measure
The measure brings together five Estonian universities. Each partner university develops its action plan, focusing on increasing the field's popularity to attract motivated students, and modernizing higher education to better meet job market expectations.
Other supported activities are:
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Developing preparatory courses, elective subjects, and outreach activities. Additionally, there's a push for curriculum innovation, diverse teaching methods, and the involvement of experts from industries to enhance the quality of education. Financial support is provided for academic staff development, with a focus on new faculty members.
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Measures to reduce dropout rates include funding support systems such as mentoring, individual counseling, and remedial courses in STEM subjects. Motivational activities and career counselling are organized in collaboration with vocational institutions, businesses, and professional associations.
In addition to that, there is an open call for proposals for activities to popularise engineering.
Special focus of the Engineering Academy is on girls and women.
In the period between 2023 to 2029, the state will invest a total of €39.4 million from European Funds to the Engineering Academy Initiative. In November 9, 2023, €21.5 million was confirmed with a ministry regulation. Further details of the budget are not currently available.
Use of measure
No information yet.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)
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European Funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
The measure aims to support the collaboration between educational institutions, professional organisations and social partners in improving the quality and visibility of engineering field. This is emphasised but there is no specific details yet, as the activities are yet to be implemented. It is possible that social partners have been in some way involved in designing this measure, at least consultation, but there is no detailed information on this which is currently publicly available.
Views and reactions
No information on social partners' views is currently available.
Sources
