Tomas Bata University Will Educate Semiconductor Experts
16. July 2024TBU is intensively working on the launch of a new degree programme focused on materials engineering. Thanks to this, the university could supply experts especially for the American semiconductor manufacturer onsemi, located in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, which plans to invest two billion USD (CZK 44 thousand million) in the expansion of chip production in the Czech Republic.
Tomas Bata University, in cooperation with the Zlín Regional Authority, is opening new degree courses and, following the trends of modern regions, is focusing on technologies of the future, including semiconductors. “We have the opportunity to become one of the European centres for these technologies. That is why we are responding flexibly and opening a new degree course, which is just the beginning of our long-term efforts to foster the development of the University and of the entire region,” said Milan Adámek, TBU Rector.
It will be an academically oriented Bachelor’s programme. The University plans to admit approximately 30 students for study in the first year of the programme, which is expected to be created within two years at the latest. “As part of this degree programme, students will take internships in the onsemi company, but also in other similar production plants in Europe. We are, as well, discussing the preparation of another degree programme that will focus on informatics and partially also on industrial engineering,” explained Milan Adámek, TBU Rector.
This year, TBU will start the construction of new laboratories focused on semiconductor materials in the new building of the Faculty of Technology, the construction of which is expected to start this year as well, and for which the Zlín Regional Authority has provided funding in the amount of CZK 200 million.
“We are aware of the unpleasant situation as regards average salaries and of the resulting outflow of young people who are looking for employment outside our region. That is the reason why we have decided to provide TBU with the highest ever funding, with the aim of supporting modern and promising degree-level courses that will bring new job opportunities with a higher added value and higher salaries to our region. Our goal is to create between hundreds and thousands of new job opportunities in this field,” said David Vychytil, Deputy Governor in charge of finance and business development at the Zlín Regional Authority.
“Cooperation with Tomas Bata University in Zlín is of key importance to us. This year, we have signed a cooperation agreement containing a list of clearly defined goals. By joining the cluster, we want to help the University open the door to further educational activities and to international cooperation that will attract talented people to study and work in the Zlín Region. Educated and highly qualified manpower is absolutely essential for any technology company, and is of great benefit to the entire region,” said Jiří Jaroš, Councillor at the Zlín Regional Authority.