From classroom to career: Mondi SCP opens doors for students in Ružomberok, Slovakia

• Mondi SCP hires ten graduates and welcomed 110 interns for summer placements, helping retain skilled talent in Ružomberok and offering clear pathways to full-time employment. 

• Mondi SCP, the biggest private employer in the region, strengthens link between education and industry with intensive collaboration with Secondary Polytechnic school since 2016 

14 August – Mondi SCP, the biggest private employer in Ružomberok, together with the Secondary Polytechnic School, is showing how close collaboration between education and industry supports young people in transitioning smoothly into skilled jobs. Thanks to the hands‑on training and dual education programme offered by Mondi SCP, students gain practical experience in an international manufacturing environment while studying. This gives them a head start in the labour market and also helps Mondi SCP shape its future talent to meet operational needs. 

From classroom straight into work  

This year, Mondi SCP hired ten graduates, seven from the chemist operator dual programme and three from school practice as electrical mechanics. This demonstrates the strength of the talent pipeline developed together with the school. 

Tadeáš Žerebák is one of the ten new hires and joined the company as a Paper Maker Operator. “The programme prepared me really well. I now understand technical terms like ‘hydrator’ and ‘calender’. My summer part-time job with Mondi SCP also helped me gain experience and find my way easily.

Working for Mondi has always been my goal and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Tadeáš says. 

Dual education and meaningful partnership 

In Slovakia’s dual education programme, students combine academic learning with paid, structured work experience at a company. Students sign a training contract with the employer, receive a scholarship and most importantly they can step into a job after graduation. 

 “At Mondi SCP, our aspiration is to create an inspiring, inclusive and safe workplace where people can thrive. Graduates arrive in a familiar environment, get to know the processes and the people, making it much easier for them to settle in,” says Ms. Lenka Štúrová, Human Resource Specialist at Mondi SCP. 

“Student interest in the dual education programme continues to grow. They’re motivated by both the scholarship and the high-quality practical training. Our partnership with Mondi SCP is truly exceptional  and the benefits for both sides are clear,” says the school’s Head Teacher, Ing. Pavol Moravčík.  

Mondi SCP supports the Secondary Polytechnic School financially and through in-kind donations such as paper and school equipment, while the school helps upskill Mondi employees in technical fields. 

Investing in Ružomberok’s next generation  

Beyond dual education and work placements, Mondi SCP continues to open its doors to the wider student community. “This summer, 110 interns aged 18 and above from various schools are gaining hands-on experience at the mill. By offering meaningful early-career opportunities, Mondi SCP helps retain skilled talent in the region and gives technically minded students a direct route to gain experience, build networks and move into full-time roles after graduation,” adds Ms. Štúrová. 

Since the renewal of the intensive cooperation of Mondi SCP and Secondary Polytechnic School in 2016, 49 students have already been hired under dual programme and school practice.