UNITECH International is a non-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland. Its aim, together with leading European universities and companies, is to prepare qualified engineering students for their professional future. Or as it is formulated in the core values statement: “UNITECH is a community that connects corporate and academic talent to develop technical students across borders and cultures to jointly face tomorrow‘s business challenges”. At the core of UNITECH activities is an exchange period for students at a university abroad with management-oriented courses as well as an internship with one of the Corporate Partners. The year is completed with the three UNITECH Joint Modules and focuses on the acquisition of specific business know-how, social competence and the capacity for multicultural understanding. This combination of practical experience, the Joint Modules and study abroad is unique in Europe.
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Difficulty in finding new staff with a high level of specialist knowledge as well as social competence prompted the Liechtenstein-based company Hilti to contact the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in 1998. Joint discussions led to the idea of a selective international exchange program for engineering students. However, it quickly became clear that further partners would be needed for this undertaking. Through the involvement of senior-level personalities and the use of existing channels, the search resulted in the joining together of accredited European universities and companies. Full and open discussions about the nature and structure of the programme led to shared trust and agreements. By 2000, the way was paved for the foundation of an international association, which became a reality in Como on 1 September 2000. Its name: UNITECH International. On 6 September 2002, the first UNITECH graduation ceremony was held in the Coronation Hall of the Town Hall of Aachen, Germany. At this occasion, under the Patronage of Mr Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, the first UNITECH graduates received their diploma.
From the very beginning, the initiators of UNITECH International planned a selective program for qualified engineering students with a limited number of universities and companies involved. Compared with other programs, the UNITECH approach has clear advantages:
The aim of UNITECH over the next few years is healthy growth together with a focused extension of the programme’s content, elements and partners. The long-term goal in terms of involved parties is eight to ten universities, possibly including an Eastern-European university, 30 corporate partners and approximately 100 students a year. All the parties should continue to maintain a lively exchange of ideas. Lastly, a great deal of attention is paid to strengthening the UNITECH Alumni Association. Participants in the UNITECH program will be able to benefit from a powerful network throughout their career.
UNITECH International Society Website:. "UNITECH International". http://www.unitech-international.org. Retrieved 2007-01-30.