On May 6, Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged, and Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, signed a statement of intent on behalf of the university to formalize future cooperation with BYD and six vocational training centers in the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary.

At the event, Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Education, and Youth at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM), emphasized that the Hungarian government is strengthening the education system – including both universities and vocational training centers – so that these institutions can become engines of regional growth and provide students with high-quality, market-relevant training. She also pointed out that young people entering the workforce from these institutions boost the local economy and offer a reliable pipeline of skilled labor for businesses operating in the region.

As part of their cooperation, BYD Auto Hungary Kft., the University of Szeged, and six regional vocational training centers – located in Baja, Békéscsaba, Gyula, Hódmezővásárhely, Kiskunhalas, and Szeged – aim to provide students with opportunities to build careers at the Hungarian BYD company in the future. The State Secretary stressed that young people who acquire in-demand skills and go on to join the company will be able to settle in their home region and start families there. She added that the cooperation is beneficial to all parties involved – the state, the region, the county, the educational institutions, and the company alike.

Gábor Gan, Director of BYD’s Executive Office in Hungary, and Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged

László Péter Salgó, Chief Government Commissioner of the Csongrád-Csanád County Government Office, emphasized that the investment will create a substantial number of jobs for Hungarian workers, with the electric vehicle plant expected to employ more than 10,000 people. He also noted that developments of this scale are rare in the Southern Great Plain region; apart from BYD, only the University of Szeged employs a comparable number of staff. “BYD is committed to employing Hungarian workers,” he said, adding that the agreement is the result of coordinated discussions between the company, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the University of Szeged, and the region’s vocational training centers.

“It’s a great honor to be here in Szeged,” said Gábor Gan, Director of BYD’s Executive Office in Hungary, as he welcomed those in attendance. He explained that the signing of the statement of intent marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will offer hands-on training opportunities for students in higher education and vocational training programs. In addition, the company will launch specialized training courses for recent graduates and promote broader access to cutting-edge industry expertise. “In the coming years, BYD aims to create career opportunities in Szeged for hundreds of talented young people,” he added.

Source: SZTEInfo, MTI – The Hungarian National News Agency

Photo by Sándor Gémes