V CONFERENCE “INNOVATIONS IN PLUMBING EDUCATION”

Upskilling and Reskilling
03.01.2024
The EdUP project “Public-Private Partnership to Improved Vocational Education in Ukraine” organized the 5th Educational and Practical Conference “Innovations in Sanitary Engineering Education” in Kyiv.

The conference was attended by teachers and masters of vocational training in the profession “Sanitary and Technical Systems and Equipment Installer” from 26 vocational education institutions, as well as companies Geberit, Grundfos, Herz, and Wavin. Speakers and trainers from these leading manufacturers introduced advanced technologies in the field of engineering systems. Afterward, every teacher could participate in practical sessions at the company booths. 

Experts from Grundfos conducted research on heating pump construction and floor heating system configuration. 

"Our goal is to provide educators in vocational education institutions with information about modern engineering systems, encourage them to change old teaching methods, and show how to use the latest equipment to ultimately change the culture of our living environment," emphasized Lyudmyla Yeremchenko, Head of the Technical Department at Grundfos Ukraine.

"Hydraulic balancing of the floor heating system by Grundfos using a smartphone with two apps is an innovation that is not only useful for professionals in their daily work but also for teaching in vocational education institutions as advanced technology," shared her impressions of the practical session Tetiana Horiacheva, a teacher at the Brovary Vocational Lyceum.

During the conference, Geberit presented a textbook on bathroom design, and all conference participants received copies. An expert from Wavin demonstrated the correct technology for welding polypropylene pipes and fittings. 

"Our goal during this conference is minimum theory and maximum practice. In particular, we aim to demonstrate and teach the correct technique of polyfusion welding of pipes," said Sergiy Dyachenko, a representative of Wavin.

"I was impressed by the information about the service life of Wavin pipes - 50 years. Among the innovations, I learned the method of welding holes in pipes and used a template for marking," noted Taras Borshchyk, a teacher at Vocational College #34 in Stryi after trying polyfusion welding himself.

HERZ Ukraine presented the textbook “Hydraulics – the Heart of Water Heating” and demonstrated an exclusive technology for balancing the heating system, installing and replacing thermostatic valves and thermostatic regulators. 

"As for these two topics, there is a significant knowledge gap. The equipment is new, but the manuals are still from Soviet times. However, according to current building standards, balancing the heating system is a mandatory requirement. Therefore, the company makes efforts to provide the relevant information," emphasized Oleksandr Sokyrkin, Head of Training and Technical Support at Herz.

At the end of the conference, participants received 2 heating system pumps from Grundfos. 

The Ministry of Education and Science noted the successful format of the event, particularly the focus on sessions where educators from vocational education institutions can master modern technologies and acquire new skills. 

Ukraine
Initial vocational education and training
Public Private Partnership to Improved Professional Education in Ukraine
The EdUP project, including its Scale UP initiative, is playing a crucial role in addressing the serious challenges faced by Ukraine's vocational education and training (VET) sector during wartime. The war has destroyed many VET schools and exacerbated a skills shortage that affects several sectors, despite employers' willingness to offer competitive wages and resources. EdUP aims to rebuild and improve vocational schools and break stereotypes about vocational graduates. By decentralising training and aligning it with local economic needs, the project will improve the quality of vocational training, attract additional resources, work with the private sector, and modernise education to equip Ukraine's workforce for today's demands.