With the beginning of the new school year, 520 first-year students from technical and trade secondary schools have joined KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.’s ‘Competent in the Industry’ educational programme. The initiative aims to support education focused on knowledge and technologies essential for the copper industry in Poland. This programme is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
KGHM has been collaborating with schools in the Copper Belt for eight years. As of September 1, 2025, there are 2,240 students enrolled in patronage classes across ten schools located in Lubin, Legnica, Polkowice, Chocianów, Bolesławiec, Głogów, and Wschowa. The trades promoted by KGHM are aligned with employment needs within its divisions. These schools offer training in fifteen technical professions such as mining, metallurgy, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and automation.
Magdalena Lipińska, General Director for Human Resources Management at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., stated: “For years, we have been supporting the education of young people in our region at many levels. We provide access to teaching materials, organise apprenticeships, equip workshops in patron classes and award scholarships for the best. We also support the development of soft skills through regular meetings and training sessions, and promote sports and educational initiatives. In our activities intended for young people, we also try to respond to the interests of the students and guarantee that they also have a bit of fun. To show that KGHM is made up of really interesting people.” She added: “As the largest employer in the Copper Belt, we understand the responsibility we have. This is why we strive to support our technical school students and encourage them to take up work at the Copper Company in the future.”
Students participating in ‘Competent in the Industry’ can benefit from scholarships based on special achievements or gain employment opportunities at KGHM through internship programmes. The company organizes courses on job search preparation, resume writing, and recruitment processes to help graduates plan their academic and professional paths more effectively. Graduates receive documentation confirming completion of sponsored classes which can be advantageous when seeking employment at KGHM.
Launched in 2018 under the name ‘Competent in the industry – KGHM as a key partner in vocational training,’ this programme involves not only local schools but also coordinators and practical instructors from various branches of KGHM’s operations. Currently over 2,000 students are educated annually through this initiative; more than 535 employees at KGHM are former participants of these sponsored classes. Each year students take part in events such as ‘Competent Gilbert,’ a mining and metallurgy knowledge competition organized by KGHM.
Further information about ‘Competent in the Industry’ can be found on the company’s website.
