The Bialystok Functional Area Competency Center as an example of development of human capital

Abstract

Motivation: Today, the value of skilled, complex and creative work is growing fast. In the global knowledge economy, people’s knowledge, skills learning, talents and abilities — their human capital — have become a main factor of economic growth. In many regions, the potential of human capital is restricted, e.g. in podlaskie voivodship. Particular problems exist in the field of vocational education as a result of long-term under-funding of vocational schools, reversal of proportion in choice between vocational and regular high schools, etc. Especially in the field of vocational education exists low quality of training. Education systems can do much to help people realise their potential and external funding (e.g. EU) can support innovative projects for the development of human resources.

Aim: The main goal of this article is to show an example of innovative project in the field of vocational education that have an influence on development of human capital. In frame of EU instrument called Integrated Territorial Investments in Bialystok Functional Area (BFA) is implementing project of BFA Competence Center. The project is to support the development of knowledge, professional skills, talents and abilities.

Results: The analysis led to the following conclusions: vocational education requires a broad integrated support; cooperation with different stakeholders (especially with employers, organizations of business environment, etc.) is essential to achieve high-quality education; a vocational education should be more attractive for pupils.