PROBLEMS OF TRAINING ENGINEERING STAFF FOR THE POLYMER PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Abstract

This article addresses the challenges of engineering education in the polymer processing industry, as well as the production and implementation of plastics in mechanical engineering. An analysis of the higher education market revealed the need for an educational program in “Polymer Materials and Technologies.” By examining the stages of the polymer life cycle, a niche in the polymer industry was identified whose needs for qualified personnel would be addressed by a master’s program. Using a master’s program as an example, the author highlights key points that, in his opinion, should be considered when developing educational programs in the natural sciences and engineering. Emphasis is placed on educational methods and technologies that foster the development of highly qualified specialists with a broad professional range, excellent communication skills, digital literacy, and a high sensitivity to innovation. A practice-oriented, project-based learning approach was chosen as the educational model. The entire educational program is built around projects. The educational process is divided into project stages with their own checkpoints and discipline-specific links, which form a block of mandatory courses and a block of elective courses. The courses are taught in accordance with the project stages. All types of practical training are integrated into the projects. During practical classes, seminars are included to simulate cooperation between future design engineers and process engineers, taking into account the division of labor at production sites in the polymer industry. It is shown that even during the training stages, future process engineers learn to work in a team with future design engineers, and in addition to professional competencies, soft skills are developed. The combination of traditional and new learning formats allows for the development of a competitive educational program.