3.10. Preparation of technical professions for the field of electronic communication networks Problem Identification In particular, sufficient number of experts on the labour market is the fundamental condition for the development of the electronic communications sector. Currently, entrepreneurs in the field of electronic communications identify a high deficit of graduates of secondary schools and universities who would have sufficient technical expertise in the electronic communications field. This is due to the lack of specialization and disciplines oriented at the development and operation of electronic communication networks and new technologies applicable on such networks, particularly at vocational schools. It is therefore essential to start paying sufficient attention to this and other network sectors in the education process. The National Occupational System (NSP) as a catalogue of occupations is incomplete and it is not updated for the needs of the construction and development of electronic communications networks. The National Qualification System (NSK) does not correspond with the job positions described in NSP for the area of such networks. From the point of view of the electronic communications sector, this is the most serious future obstacle to obtaining sufficiently skilled workforce, the problem being low awareness among both entrepreneurs and citizens, and a lack of support for so-called authorized persons (especially from the secondary industrial and vocational schools), who are ideally placed to verify the required competences by means of a prescribed test. Proposed Measures Measure A To supplement the NSP and NSK catalogues in cooperation with the Sectoral Council for the important professions needed for the design, construction and servicing of electronic communications networks. Measure B To analyse possible ways of supporting secondary technical and vocational schools to motivate such schools to become authorized persons according to the NSK catalogue. Measure C To raise awareness and support the NSP and NSK systems on the labour market. Responsibility Responsible party: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (in relation to NSK) Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (in relation to NSP) Cooperation: Ministry of Industry and Trade Ministry of the Interior The Czech Chamber of Commerce Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic 25