PRODEX: NEW EDUCATIONAL MODEL MEETS INDUSTRY’S NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

As a result of rapid technological developments, industry needs to address the need for new skill sets quickly. In the ProdEx project, University West and 51 companies and organisations have developed a new educational concept that facilitates lifelong learning and can make Swedish industry more competitive and sustainable.

ProdEx stands for Expert in Production Technology and involves master’s-level short courses in production technology. The courses are tailored for industry professionals and make it possible to study and work at the same time. The project has also developed a new method for validation of competence and skills among industry professionals.

During the project period, 2014–2020, 31 courses were jointly offered by the University and business community with a focus on relevant skills development needs in the manufacturing industry. Now the courses are part of the University’s regular course offering. They are free of charge and are offered both remotely and on campus.

In parallel with the ProdEx project, the University has carried out several education initiatives to meet skill requirements from industry. We collaborated with other universities in the KIT and MAMPE projects. We also incorporated the expressed need of companies to include sustainability aspects in our ProdEx courses within the framework of the ProdEko project. Together with industry, we also developed our master’s programme through the Moulin project.

Educational models for professionals will be further developed and new courses will be planned in our latest projects, ExSus and ProdKomp.

In the articles and videos below, course participants and other participants reflect on ProdEx. Additional reading about currently available courses.