Sector Skills Centre (BCU)
A Sector Skills Centre (BCU) is a new public or non-public institution within the education system. It specialises in education, training and examinations in one occupational field. A BCU:
- provides education and training that can be used, for example, by pupils at vocational schools, students, teachers (including higher education lecturers) and people working in a particular industry who want to gain additional competences,
- supports cooperation between schools, educational institutions and higher education institutions and employers,
- promotes knowledge and new technologies, as well as the green and digital transition,
- supports careers guidance for pupils and the professional activation of students, doctoral candidates and graduates.
A BCU is established on the basis of an agreement between its governing body and the relevant sectoral organisation, except where the sectoral organisation itself acts as the governing body. A BCU may be governed by a local government unit, the minister responsible for vocational education occupations, or by a legal or natural person, provided that the relevant criteria are met. A key partner of every centre is a nationwide sectoral organisation operating under the relevant legislation and representing a single occupational field.
Public and non-public BCUs, as educational institutions, are subject to pedagogical supervision exercised by the regional education authority.
The governing body of a Sector Skills Centre, or an entity that is a party to the agreement establishing the BCU, may submit an application for:
- the inclusion of a sectoral qualification in the IQS,
- authorisation to award a sectoral qualification.
More information about BCUs is available on the websites of the Ministry of National Education and the Foundation for the Development of the Education System.