On Wednesday, December 13th, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Research, Kristi Vinter-Nemvalts, met with the leadership of TTK University of Applied Sciences (TTK UAS) to discuss the university’s development plans, including the necessity of introducing a master’s degree in industrial engineering.
During the meeting with Rector Enno Lend and Vice-Rectors Martti Kiisa and Tarmo Sildeberg, the current state and development directions of TTK UAS were discussed, with a focus on increasing the number of graduates in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and construction. The Secretary General acknowledged the prospective impact of the recently launched Engineering Academy initiative by the ministry, anticipating a positive influence on the field’s popularity.
Concerning the envisioned master’s program at TTK UAS, Rector Lend conveyed the intention to formulate a comprehensive curriculum that not only aligns with the requirements of employers but also bolsters the competitiveness of Estonian companies. “The upcoming curriculum will place a strong emphasis on cultivating digital and green skills in the realms of industry and manufacturing, along with the integration of smart systems,” elucidated the Rector.
Kristi Vinter-Nemvalts underscored the significance of master’s education, aligning it seamlessly with both state analyses and the OSKA report. Discussions also covered the educational infrastructure of the Service Economy Institute located in TTK UAS’ Mõdriku campus and the establishment of a new student dormitory. Vinter-Nemvalts noted, “There is a significant demand in the job market for professionals with applied higher education, and TTK UAS’ expansion beyond Tallinn is a noteworthy step in promoting higher education and entrepreneurship cooperation in Lääne-Viru County.”
The meeting also addressed the state’s expectations for applied higher education more broadly, and the participants acquainted themselves with TTK laboratories, which play a crucial role in developing practical skills.
