szakiskola

A szakiskola, or vocational school, is a type of secondary education in Hungary that focuses on practical training for specific trades. It is intended for students who aim to enter the labor market directly after completing compulsory schooling or who wish to pursue further vocational qualification. The school provides a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work in workshop environments.

Curriculum and delivery emphasize trade-specific subjects alongside general education elements. Programs typically include practical courses in a chosen field such as carpentry, metalworking, electronics, plumbing, cooking, or healthcare support, often with a strong emphasis on workplace competencies. Many programs incorporate work-based training or apprenticeships in collaboration with local employers. The duration of study varies, commonly ranging from two to four years, depending on prior schooling and the specific trade.

In the Hungarian education system, a szakiskola is distinct from a szakközépiskola and a gimnázium. A szakközépiskola combines broader general education with vocational training and can prepare students for higher education, while a gimnázium emphasizes university preparation. A szakiskola concentrates more on immediate employability in skilled trades, though graduates may continue with higher vocational education or related studies.

Historically, the term originated in the mid-20th century as part of Hungary’s vocational education system. In modern reforms, institutions performing vocational training may be labeled as szakképző iskolai entities, but the concept of a dedicated professional-training pathway remains central. Internationally, szakiskola equivalents align with secondary vocational schools that prepare students for skilled trades.