We are formalising the collaboration between the Regional Labour Office (Wojewódzki Urząd Pracy – WUP) and two leading academic institutions – the University of Rzeszów and the Rzeszów University of Technology – as part of a major project financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Krajowy Plan Odbudowy – KPO).

The project aims to create a modern, regionally tailored system in the Podkarpackie region to support the development of residents’ skills in alignment with the evolving needs of the labour market and the education sector. Nearly PLN 4 million has been allocated for research, which the universities will use to analyse and develop innovative solutions in key educational areas – from early childhood education and vocational training to new technologies.

The University of Rzeszów will focus its efforts on inclusive education, digital learning, pupils’ health, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Rzeszów University of Technology will carry out research in mathematics, physics, IT, and automation – all aimed at strengthening engineering education and workforce development.

This partnership marks an important step towards closer integration of academia and practice. It aims to strengthen career guidance systems and promote lifelong learning as a cornerstone of regional development.

We extend our thanks to all participants and look forward to fruitful research outcomes and continued collaboration.

Objectives and Significance of the Meeting

• To formalise the cooperation between the Marshal's Office/Regional Labour Office (UM/WUP) and the University of Rzeszów (UR) and Rzeszów University of Technology (PRz) within the framework of the project financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO).
• To define the scope and schedule of research supporting the development of regional education policies and aligning education with the demands of the labour market.
• To reinforce the role of higher education institutions as key partners in the coordination of education and lifelong learning (LLL) systems.

Meeting Participants

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Marshal's Office and the Regional Labour Office, including the Marshal of the Voivodeship, Director of WUP, and heads of departments responsible for education and the labour market. The universities were represented by the Rectors of the University of Rzeszów and Rzeszów University of Technology. Members of the Voivodeship Coordination Team (WZK) and project partners also took part in the event.

Project Overview

• Total Budget: PLN 24.6 million
  (including PLN 20.7 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and PLN 3.9 million from the regional budget)
• Research Funding: PLN 3.9 million
• Lead Institution: Regional Labour Office in Rzeszów – responsible for coordination, supervision, and implementation
• Project Goal: To develop a comprehensive regional system for skills development by 2030, tailored to the needs of the local labour market and the inhabitants of the Podkarpackie region