EGM 30 download.pdf - European Federation of Geologists

Euro-AgesHydrogeology or Geoinformatics as majorsubjects. The number of students varywidely, from 1-3 graduates to 6-10 graduatesannually in each major line.The B.Sc. training includes compulsory6 weeks practical work in industry andinstitutes; generally this work is the introductionto the problems of the thesis workby the student (Figs 1&2).Legal framework and incentivesLaw supporting professional trainingGovernments have uniformly recognizedthe utmost importance of practical professionaltraining at medium and higher levelsof education, and the industrial involvementin the practical training has beensupported by different legal measures.Of these the most important is the Law86/2003 which has obliged every industrialstakeholder to contribute to the ProfessionalTraining Fund by 1.5% of its wageand salary expenditures. Of this amount,70% is collected centrally, and 30% can beoffered directly to schools and universitiesfor medium and higher level professionaleducation.Tax allowancesThe accumulated sums in the 30% portionof the Professional Training Fund can beused in several ways:- internal training schemes in companiesgiven by accredited institutions- purchase of high value equipment andinstruments related directly to the practicalcourses- offering internship programmes andpractical training to medium and higherlevel education students.Since these forms of utilization are taxdeductible, i.e. organized practical trainingprogrammes reduce the amount of payablecorporate tax, the costs for the participatingcompanies are borne by the Fund.Only those high schools and universitieswhich provide at least six weeks practicaltraining outside the university at industrialpartners or in the tertiary or agriculturalsector are entitled to obtain funds.This form of support provides a constantand significant financial source forthe University to keep its instrumentationand practical training facilities up-to-date(Fig. 3).Forms of industry involvementCorporate involvement in EuropeancoursesStrong international industrial supportFrom top:Figure 1. Students working on ore explorationmapping, RudabanyaFigure 2. Students on industry site visit atthe Boda exploration site (Radioactive wastedisposal storage development)Figure 3. JEOL 8600 EDX-WDX Microprobein the Institute of Mineralogy and Geology.The instrument has been purchased throughthe Professional Training Fund24 European Geologist 30