March 13, 2014


Students of the technical high schools in Zalau, Romania can now learn in a modern electronics and automation lab thanks to an investment by Tenaris and the Zalau municipality. This facility was inaugurated on February 18, 2014 at Alesandru Papiu Ilarian (API) Technical High School.

Students, teachers, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Tenaris employees, and local authorities in Salaj county attended the inauguration.

"Young people who love technology now have the opportunity to be up-to-date with the latest technology in the field even at a high school level. Thus, they can get a solid base to go further with their technical studies at universities or integrate more easily into the labor market," said Ioan Lung, Principal of Alesandru Papiu Ilarian Technical High School.

Tenaris invested $240,000 in this project while Zalau Municipality contributed $13,000. Equipment and training packages were supplied by FESTO, the leading global supplier of automation technology.

The lab is equipped with seven computers for the virtual simulation of electric circuits and schemes, as well as four stands where students can build circuits they have previously designed and validated using the software installed on computers. The project also includes training sessions for teachers. FESTO shared their knowledge in performing all of the activities in the lab while Tenaris employees shared best practices in safety. The laboratory is open to students from all technical schools in Salaj County.

"Our company considers it essential to create and support programs that establish links between theoretical knowledge and industrial practice. This project creates an opportunity to get hands-on experience and real understanding of technological processes. This allows the students to be better prepared to meet the requirements of the job market", said Michele Della Briotta, Tenaris Area Manager Eastern Europe.

This investment comes one year after the inauguration of the pneumatic and hydraulic lab at Mihai Viteazu Technological High School where Tenaris contributed $272,000. Besides endowment of laboratories, Tenaris also sponsors other activities aiming at developing students technical skills such as visiting the plants in Zalau and Calarasi as well as initiatives to harmonize school curriculum to fit industry needs.

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