Dr. Tal Lotan Manufacturers' Association of Israel November 2011

GDP ($Billion) 241 Population (Million) 7.8 GDP per capita ($) 28,500 Foreign Trade (% of GDP) 75% Total Exports (% of GDP) 37% Unemployment (Q2/2011) 5.4% Share of business sectors 72% Industry share of business sector 21% Employees350,000 Main branches: Chemicals, Electronics & Food 2 The Israeli Economy The Israeli Economy Facts & Figures The Manufacturers' Association of Israel

Characteristics of the Israeli Industry in the Coming Decade  Sophisticated and innovative industry - demand cultivating skills in initiative, creativity and original thinking  Shortening "life span" of technical generations - demand study and continuous updating of knowledge throughout a career  Multi-disciplinary character of products - demand expertise and skill in team work  Globalization – demand English as a work language & culture studies  Entrance of new branches along with changes in existing branches – demand updating the curricula

Technology Education In Israel A wide range of subjects: science-based subjects through technological subjects to occupational subjects  108,000 students (10th -12th ) supervised by the Ministry of Education  13,000 students under the Apprenticeship Law (“Dual System”) - supervised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour

“ VET constitutes the most significant engine for achieving the EU’s goal to become the world’s leading knowledge-based economy in 2020” (OECD Resolution 2004) In the world –reforms adapting to economy’s needs in cooperation with employers * Report of Knesset’s Research & Science Center on subject of VET, March 2008 VET In Israel and the World Students rate in technology education – world comparison

 Since end of 70s: No. of students in technology stream dropped from 52%-37%  From 2003 – 2007, 35% drop in budget of technology education Technology Education in Israel The continual cuts in the technical training lead do a shortage of thousands of industrial workers in technical professions The Manufacturers’ Association of Israel has in recent years taken active steps towards Changing Government Policy of Technology Education

A FUNDAMENTAL GOVERNMENT PLAN IS NEEDED TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN ISRAEL  Attracting young generation to Israeli industry  Significant increase in number of students in technology streams  Update the curricula to the market needs  Massive investment in advanced workshops  Training and further education of teachers of technology subjects  Changing image and marketing of technology education  Setting up a public council to promote technology education So what needs to be done?

TAASIYEDA - MAI’s Non-profit Educational Body in cooperation with Ministry of Education Active among 120,000 students annually Attracting young generation to Israeli Industry-Exposure to Industry Israeli Industry-Exposure to Industry Attracting young generation to Israeli Industry-Exposure to Industry Israeli Industry-Exposure to Industry Tours of industry, Research & Final projects, Courses to train hundreds of teachers; Development of study and enrichment programs for teachers. Diverse activities at training center “Manager adopts Manager” Tours of industry, Research & Final projects, Courses to train hundreds of teachers; Development of study and enrichment programs for teachers. Diverse activities at training center “Manager adopts Manager”

Joint program undertaking of Ministry of Education, IDF, Technology Education net schools and MAI Technician’s Diploma & matriculation (at the end of 12 th Grade) Subjects needed by industry 10,000 students (100 schools) Incorporation of army / teacher-soldiers Continued study towards practical engineer’s diploma "Adoption” by industry Completed courses show impressive results INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF STUDENTS IN TECHNOLOGY STREAMS Scholarships to outstanding students funded by Israel Prize to Industry “TOV –Technician & Matriculation

“ This project gives new significance to technology education - the connection to the army, industry and college make the studies relevant and applicable” (Principal, Ort Gutman High School, Netanya) What Next? SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF PROGRAM ACTIVATING ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF STUDENTS IN TECHNOLOGY STREAMS TOV students visit El-Op TOV –Technician & Matriculation

Investment in Advanced Practical Workshops  High school students  Professional training for adults  Workers from industry  teachers in technology education  Industry’s involvement in running the program (study plan, teaching/training) Setting up centers rich in technology and for practice and VET training for varied age groups (CNC, Robotics, Electronics)

TRAINING TEACHERS FOR TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION  Exposure to advanced technologies  MAI Initiative –20 leading companies – 60 teachers  120 hours – recognized as continuing education benefit Teachers’ Course at Electricity Corp. Teachers’ Course at AVCO Industry

Establishing a Public Council for Technology Education Establishing a public council for technology education in cooperation with: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor, MAI, Academia, Trade Unions & IDF Aims of the Council :  Determining strategy and policy  Determining operative plans for advancing technology education  Promoting research relating to technology education  Defining future directions – subjects and future skills  Changing the image of technology education

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION ¡ Muchas Gracias! Tal Lotan