Mercator-S is implementing a special youth support project in Serbia called Generation 2018. This year, more than 250 applied for the project, of whom 13 were selected, coming from the Faculty of Economics, Transport, Agriculture, Organizational Sciences and the ITS ComTrade College.
On the occasion of the start of the program, a presentation was held at which the professors from these faculties and the general manager of Mercator-S addressed the present audience, and shared the importance of practical education and pointed out its importance at the time students exit the school benches.
“Career development after schooling is something that is a privilege today. Learning about trade in a systematic way and starting from what is the most sophisticated trade elements, and what is some serious schooling, is what students will get through this program,” said Srđan Bogetić, a professor at the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade, adding: “This is a serious business system, and a good start to enter some higher, managerial layers.”
Importance of linking the academic community and economy was also highlighted by Katarina Šmakić, head of the International Cooperation Office of the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, Milorad Kilibarda, professor at the Faculty of Transport, Bojan Ristić, Director of the ITS ComTrade College. Before the award of the contracts to successful candidates, Entoni Sošić, general manager of Mercator-S, also addressed those present:
“Cooperation between the academic community and the economy is key to the sustainability of the entire economy in Serbia, if not all the countries in Europe. We have decided that we will be the ones who will imbue the values into young people, and will ask those young people to share what they have, and that is the passion, desire and will to be successful,” said Entoni Sošić.
Mercator-S has been implementing professional training programs for young people for years within its socially responsible activities. Students who are part of the Generation 2018 program will improve their knowledge in marketing, trading, wholesale, logistics, finance and IT. In addition to a large number of faculties, the company also cooperates with more than 35 high schools, from which more than 400 students each year are included in dual education and professional practice programs.
