More than cooperation – the University of Sopron has been enriched with an IKEA showroom

The ceremonial handover is a worthy testament to the more than a decade of fruitful cooperation that has developed between IKEA Industry Hungary Ltd. and the University of Sopron. The partnership officially began in December 2014, when the agreement on the dual training internship was signed between the Faculty of Wood Industry Engineering and Creative Industries and the company. Since then, the common goal of the two parties has been to strengthen the practical background of wood industry engineering training and provide real added value to both lecturers and students.

Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, emphasized: “this cooperation is based on solid foundations and points to the future. IKEA’s presence and support is an important feedback for us that we are on the right track. This is a partnership that not only provides practical opportunities for our students, but also contributes to Sopron remaining a decisive player in the domestic and international wood industry scene. Joint work not only means infrastructural development, but also offers outstanding opportunities for both parties in terms of knowledge, innovation and the training of future professionals”.

Prof. Dr. Endre Magoss, Dean of the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries of the University of Sopron, emphasized that the cooperation with IKEA is of great importance to the faculty in several aspects. This relationship is not new, but the result of a long-standing, constantly expanding professional collaboration. IKEA employs not only wood engineers from the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries, but also economists and other professionals from other faculties, so the relationship is truly two-way. The university also receives professional assignments and industrial requests from the company, further strengthening the depth and significance of the cooperation. Speaking about the dual training, he added that although it is a challenge for students to get involved in corporate work from the first year, committed industrial partners such as IKEA provide significant assistance in this process.

The cooperation with the University of Sopron is also of paramount importance for IKEA, as this relationship is not only professional, but also based on human and value-based harmony. The company receives regular and valuable professional support and advice from the university’s lecturers in the field of calculations and tests. The relationship with the students offers numerous practical opportunities, including factory visits and dual training programs.

“The personal development of students and their support for their future career path are extremely important to us. Dual training offers a great opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies, which is why we encourage as many of them as possible to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Emese Szakály, Managing Director of IKEA Industry Hungary Kft.