Excursions to Škoda Auto Vrchlabí and the Pivovarská bašta microbrewery: two November trips to technology, craft and inspiration

At the beginning of November, we organized excursions for students of the Secondary Industrial School from Česká Lípa on two consecutive dates – November 4th and 11th. Both groups had the same program: a visit to the highly automated gearbox production at Škoda Auto Vrchlabí and then a tour of the Pivovarská bašta microbrewery directly in Vrchlabí. The program thus combined modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship – two areas that are typical for our InterBridge project.

Originally, a larger group of German apprentice car mechanics from the Berufliches Schulzentrum Zittau were also supposed to arrive on the excursions, but unfortunately they had to cancel their participation due to conflicts with their practice. Nevertheless, we were happy that several friends from Zittau and the surrounding area joined us individually, arrived in Česká Lípa by car and went with us for the entire program. Thanks to this, both meetings had a natural Czech-German character, which is key for InterBridge.

The Vrchlabí plant of Škoda Auto – part of the Volkswagen Group – is a model example of what modern automated production looks like. Visitors to this plant can see a robotic assembly line, real-time logistics management, precise CNC and laser measurements, a demonstration of the production of transmission components and the connection of digital production management with physical processes.

Our German guests appreciated that they could see the plant of the partner VW group from the “other side of the border”, and this naturally led to interesting conversations about the differences and similarities between the Czech and Saxon production plants.

The teachers evaluated the excursion very positively. Even though the students did not know all the engineering terms, they especially appreciated the opportunity to see automation with their own eyes.

After the technical part of the program, we moved to the Pivovarská bašta microbrewery, which is part of the restaurant and guesthouse of the same name in Vrchlabí.

Here we were presented with the history of the small brewery in Vrchlabí, a demonstration of brewing beer in a craft operation, a tour of the brewhouse, tanks and technological facilities and an explanation of the difference between a microbrewery and large industrial operations.

The contrast between the high-tech production in Škodovka and the quiet brewing tradition created a very pleasant balance.

These excursions fit perfectly into the mission of the InterBridge project: to connect Czech and Saxon young people through shared experiences, practice and inspiration. In the final year of the project, our program will be even more focused on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation, nanotechnology and materials engineering. Both November visits were an ideal example of the direction we want to go – connecting modern technologies, technical education and cross-border cooperation.

We look forward to meeting you again and thank everyone who participated in the organization and participation.

Hana Křížová