Introduction

The significance and objectives of the Practical Placement 

The College of Polytechnics Jihlava (hereinafter referred to as “VŠPJ”) is a public non-university higher education institution that places great emphasis on cooperation with the application sector. A compulsory component of the curricula for all accredited bachelor’s study programmes is a long-term practical placement of students in companies and organisations, which distinguishes VŠPJ from other university-type higher education institutions. The aim of the practical placement is to enable students to test the knowledge and skills acquired through the study of individual subjects within their chosen programme, through practical activities in specific situations within organisations in both the business and public sectors. The opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice and gain work experience whilst still studying is a unique chance for students to improve their prospects for future employment in the labour market. Students who demonstrate good knowledge, skills, moral qualities, and a proactive approach to completing work tasks during their practical placement may even secure permanent employment with the organisation upon graduation from VŠPJ.

The purpose and content of the individual chapters of the guide

This text aims to guide you through the compulsory practical placement for the Applied Informatics programme that you are studying at VŠPJ. Here, across several chapters, you will find all the information necessary for the successful completion of your practical placement.

The Introduction chapter, which you are currently reading, is intended to provide you with a general overview of the importance of the placement and the purpose of this Guide.

The chapter Theoretical Knowledge contains a list of all relevant subjects for the practical placement, including several selected topics that are studied and practised theoretically within the individual subjects at VŠPJ. This chapter, therefore, summarises the areas of theoretical knowledge that students should have mastered before starting their placement at the chosen workplace.

The chapter Activities to practise contains a list of activities from which students can choose specific tasks to practise during their placement. This overview of activities suitable for the placement is very important for every student. After the placement, both the student and the company employee who supervised the student during the placement will assess the extent to which the placement was utilised for carrying out the activities intended to practise. The student’s level of theoretical preparation for these activities will also be assessed.

The chapter Description of the placement post contains a general description of the workplace where the placement can be carried out. Here, students will find brief guidance on how to proceed when choosing a workplace for their placement.

The section Description of the placement process contains information on how and under what conditions students must complete their placement. This chapter also specifies what the student must provide before, during and after the placement. In this chapter, the student will also find links to further information necessary for the smooth running of the placement and its successful completion.

The chapter Practical Placement Outcomes contains a description of the required practical placement outcomes, which will be used to assess the completed practical placement. The section Practical Placement Evaluation describes the method of assessing the completed practical placement and the criteria for awarding credit.