World Cafe Event held in Prague
On November 1, 2024, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava hosted a World Cafe event as part of the GREEN project, held in Prague, Czech Republic. The event attracted key stakeholders from the
Czech automotive industry. The aim was to create a collaborative environment to discuss the green transformation of the automotive industry, with a particular focus on education and the
development of green skills.
The presentation “Education and green Transition in Automotive Industry introduced the GREEN project and its established GREEN VET network, which is focused on addressing the evolving needs of
the automotive sector as it transitions toward greener practices. The key themes included the impact of the green transition on education, the rising demand for green skills, and the emergence
of new job roles within the Czech automotive industry.
A central focus of the event was the ongoing shift toward electromobility, which is considered the top trend in the automotive sector. The discussion explored how public perception of
electromobility impacts the adoption of sustainable automotive technologies. Several key issues were raised, such as the need for awareness campaigns to promote electromobility
and green mobility solutions, particularly in terms of public understanding and acceptance. There was also a call for updating curricula in the education system to ensure that new
graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming industry.
The participants in the World Café discussed various aspects of the green transition, contributing valuable insights that will help shape future educational programs and policies. Notably,
there was a strong emphasis on addressing the skills gap in the automotive sector, with specific mention of the top job roles that are in high demand, including:
- Sustainability Managers/Engineers: A key role that is currently facing a significant shortage.
- Innovation Engineers:Focused on developing new technologies and solutions for green automotive systems.
- LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) Managers: Experts who evaluate the environmental impact of products and processes throughout their lifecycle.
- E-Powertrain Engineers: Specialists in the design and development of electric powertrains.
- Recycling Specialists: Professionals focusing on the sustainable recycling of automotive materials and components.
- Battery Engineers: Experts in the development and optimization of batteries for electric vehicles.
Throughout the event, the World Café format encouraged active discussion and the sharing of ideas among participants. As the automotive industry faces rapid transformation driven by sustainability goals
and regulatory pressures, this gathering provided a platform for dialogue between industry leaders, policymakers, and educators. Valuable inputs gathered during the event will be used to further refine
the GREEN VET network and its mission to better align education and training with the evolving needs of the automotive sector.
