Experience of professional orientation of the youth of engeneering specialities in countries of Central and Eastern Europe

The purpose of this scientific study is to examine the peculiarities of the organizational system of pupils' career guidance in engineering specialties in the Central and Eastern European countries. It is has been determined that the problem of occupational self-determination of schoolchildren is one of the most important issues in the education system of the European Union. As it has been defined, universities are the active participants of productive occupational guidance, in particular, engineering colleges. The essence of their work in this area is the organizational, methodological and logistical support of the so-called "children's universities". According to the analysis of the curriculum contents of the children's university, functioning at the Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic, the following directions of training courses have been established: physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, programming, robotics, textile industry, mathematics, electrical engineering. With that, content and forms of learning are adapted to the students' age. Mainly through technology games young students acquire theoretical and practical skills, develop creative potential, critical thinking, autonomy, and responsibility. It has been determined that for young children educational programmes are aimed at the development of psychomotor, especially polytechnic skills. Older children are trained with programs aimed at acquiring and deepening knowledge in specific fields of science and technology. To conclude, children's universities as a part of European engineering colleges are among the most successful projects in education system. Due to their active performance, there has been an increased interest in technical sciences, and the growing motivation of pupils for higher engineering education, which is today competitive in the conditions of the modern labor market.