The new facilities include a metal 3D printer and a welding simulator, designed to enhance both student learning and adult education programmes. These innovations are set to provide safer, more advanced training, aligning with the needs of the local economy and future job markets.
Varaždin County Mayor Anđelko Stričak highlighted the importance of the Vocational Excellence Centre, established three years ago, in responding to workforce demands.
"So far, this is the only school in Croatia that has such a printer. The amount of financial resources for this equipment is around €180,000. We also run adult education programmes here, and in the past year, 112 candidates have completed courses at the school. The school has earned €270,000 from the Croatian Employment Service," said Stričak.
Ludbreg Mayor Dubravko Bilić emphasised that the school is a model for future-focused education, offering students valuable skills that will lead to better job prospects.
The centre is also home to the HTEC-HAAS Technology and Education Centre, a partnership with leading CNC machine manufacturer HAAS. Franjo Šestak, representing Swiss company Teximp, praised the school’s forward-thinking approach, stating that the investment not only brings cutting-edge technology but also “the future” to Ludbreg.