Poland's Ministry of Education is planning significant changes to vocational education, removing outdated courses and introducing new ones that align more closely with current labor market needs, starting September 1, 2026.
Starting on September 1, 2026, vocational education in Poland is set to undergo significant changes. The Ministry of Education has developed a draft regulation that alters the list of occupations available for training in vocational schools and technical schools. Some current courses have been deemed as lacking future viability, halting recruitment into those specializations. New occupations will be introduced to better align with the realities of the labor market as identified by the ministry.
Specifically, the draft regulation proposes the removal of six occupations across two sectors: precision mechanics and horticulture. In the precision mechanics field, the affected roles include precision mechanic, optician-mechanic, and optical technician. Meanwhile, in the horticultural sector, the roles of gardener, technician gardener, and landscape architecture technician will be eliminated. This move aims to modernize the vocational education system to ensure that training is relevant and meets the emerging needs of employers.
The Ministry emphasizes that current students enrolled in these discontinued courses will have the opportunity to complete their training. This decision reflects a broader trend in education reform in Poland, aiming to equip students with skills relevant to the labor market and address the challenges of a rapidly changing economic landscape, emphasizing adaptability and modernization in career preparation.
