Report on the international clerkship

Report on the international clerkship of Czech, Polish and Hungarian representatives regarding development of human resources

(Written by Leoš Janda)

Tuesday

On Tuesday morning, the first day of our clerkship, we gathered at the town hall at 8:30. There was a meeting with Ms. Svobodová, who was talking about the HR policy of the Municipal Office (job tender). The discussion consequently extended to the questions of the state policy of an employment, national differences in laws etc.
After this meeting, we went to see the exhibition of photos „The World of Children“, held in the area of Vesmír cinema.
After lunch, we visited a private business school in Trutnov. We met its director Ms. Pěnčíková and listened to her very interesting speech. She presented the school (information about students, subjects, practical activity, cooperation with regional economic chamber (project 5P), etc.) and told us about some particular school activities (e.g.: school election). This school also uses a system IŠKOLA (electronic school). This is useful for both students (they can easily get at their classification and homework) and their parents (they can check their children).
Finally, we took part in discussion with Mr. Motl, regional manager of the Regional Economic Chamber in Trutnov. He talked about activities of this chamber, especially about the promotion for incipient businessmen to be able to start their job (half price of course to gain the skill, free loan of 500 000 CZK for 6 years…) and about the exhibition, held in cooperation with the partner town of Świdnica in Poland.

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning, we had a meeting with Mr. Šmíd and Mr. Novotný at labour office. The topic related to the state policy of employment. Mr. Šmíd talked about organization of department of labour and social affairs, about competency of labour office, its services and activities for employers and unemployed.
Some important questions and topics that were mentioned in brief:
- work permition for foreigners and work in EU
- control and promotion from state
- requalification of unemployed
- specific situation in our district (Krkonoše mountains, textile industry)
- national differences (e.g.: Polish supermarkets)
Later, we discussed with Mr. Novotný, the advisory department leader, about statistical data and problems of Trutnov district.
We also had a meeting with Ms. Beranová from economic chamber of agriculture. She presented this chamber, its origin and activities. Membership of farmers in this chamber is not obligatory and there is a problem of cooperation between this chamber and other agricultural organizations.
Some topics in brief:
- informational task of chamber
- state dotations
- troubles with difficult paper handling and clerical staff
- national differences (e.g.: more favourable agricultural policy for farmers in Poland, different shopping usance in Poland – existence of small local producers and shops).

Thursday

On Thursday morning, we visited non-profit organization “Bridge to life”. It was founded in 1993. Their activities are:
- educational and requalificational courses
- grith accommodation (asylum) for mothers with children in difficult
situations, consultancy and guidance
- projects for same opportunity for women at the labour market
- cooperation with the business school in Trutnov
- ensuring practical experiences in states institutions for graduates
There are approximately 25 mothers each year finding a home there.
This organization is a member of the Regional Economic Chamber. "Bridge to life" cooperates with similar organizations in other towns of Czech Republic. In Hungary, there is no such an universal organization like this.
In the afternoon, we went to Tyco. This enterprise produces electronic components and has more than 1000 employees. It is the biggest employer in Trutnov and has two factories there. In spite of the unemployment, they have problem to gain engineers with good qualification and knowledge of languages. They make presentations at Universities, provide practical works for students and cooperate with personnel agencies. In addition, they have their own database of potential workers (about 600 persons). Average wage in enterprise is not as high as e.g. in Prague or Mladá Boleslav, but equals the average of the Czech Republic (problem with strong crown). Trying to keep important employees, Tyco increases their wages more, than wages of other workers.
In addition, there are some benefits for employees: one more week for vacation, sport activities, courses, recreation for children.
Tyco is a member of the Regional Economic Chamber. Competition of electronic firms in Trutnov is not in products, but in the labour market. Tyco does not provide large support for employees to obtain habitation.

Friday

Mr. Ander (officer of town hall Department of regional development) presented us Strategical plan of development of town. Its origin is from spring 2000. This plan is necessary for town to obtain dotations from EU. Town tries to coordinate cooperation between schools (high and Colleges) and firms and tries to create institute of higher education. There is lack of qualificated workers in electronic and textile industry (high potential for development). Commission for strategical development has 35 people (included representatives of big entertainments in Trutnov).
Than we met Mrs. Všetečková from Business license department. She spoke about business law in general (origin in 1992, novelized many times). Conditions for EU members are the same, if the firm has settlement in Czech Republic (if not, firms can freely provide services and do business according to their laws).
There are 30000 announced businesses in our district. There is possibility of electronic tax return (under the condition of electronic signature).