The Prime Minister declared on Monday in his speech opening the 16th vocational schools’ competition entitled ‘Szakma Sztár’ (Stars of the Vocation) Festival in Budapest that the government is constantly renewing vocational education, and for years, the number of applicants to vocational secondary school institutions has been increasing, and their academic performance is improving.

Viktor Orbán emphasised at the event organised by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that six out of ten students who finish their primary education continue their studies in vocational education, with technical schools being the most popular choice. He added that the introduction of dual education has also proved to be useful for both businesses and the country’s overall performance, in terms of economic growth. The increase in the number of applicants and the improving academic performance show that the new system has proved to be successful in the eyes of the students and their families.

He also underscored that those who want to advance further, can acquire middle-management skills along with their technical vocational education. An important and significant result of the overhauled vocational education system is that

those who complete the five-year programme have a significant advantage when pursuing vocational higher education

he emphasised. In his remarks, the prime minister suggested the key to success is curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and cooperation.

He stated that although it is common in Hungarian public life to criticise schools and the education system—which could certainly be improved and there is still much to be done—, its qualities should not be underestimated. He emphasised that the success of Hungarian students at home and in the international arena is also a tribute to Hungarian education, and their teachers deserve special recognition for their tireless efforts in paving the way for their students. Hungary can only prosper if everyone works and everyone works well, Viktor Orbán emphasised.

He told students that in order to find a good job they do not need to go abroad, as Western and Eastern companies are present here in the Carpathian Basin along with Hungarian businesses.

‘With Hungarian expertise, organisational skills, and determination, we can build a country where it is good for everyone to live, work, start a family, and raise children,’ Orbán said.

He added that after one looks around the world—which is a good thing to do—it is always worth coming home. ‘You are only at home here, since this is your only homeland,’ he said. He emphasised that real success can only be achieved in Hungary, and the future of Hungarians in here. Viktor Orbán thanked all the educators, mentors, and expert colleagues who work selflessly in Hungarian vocational education, and wished good luck to students, teachers, and families.