Professional/Educational Characteristics of Children of Employed Parents During a Crisis Period

Abstract

The article examines the professional and educational characteristics, as well as the e-competence, of children of workers in the Ostrava coal region of the Czech Republic during the early 21st century. This work represents a component of the REFRESH project, which is dedicated to enhancing research excellence in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The overarching aim of this initiative is to foster the development of a smart region through the transfer of technology in fields such as sustainable energy, the digitalisation of industrial production, environmental technologies, and smart materials technologies. The researchers from the Faculty of Education at the University of Ostrava conducted a questionnaire survey targeting a research cohort comprising disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups. This focus stems from the anticipated significant adverse effects of regional transformation on these groups, who may possess attitudes that could hinder the effective transition of the coal industry in alignment with contemporary European developments. The primary objective of this research was to delineate the professional and educational characteristics of children of miners during a crisis phase of their parents' careers. As part of the investigation into the professional orientation of these employees' children, the study identified the working personality types of participating pupils. It assessed their self-efficacy beliefs regarding career preparedness, particularly in relation to their interest in digital technologies. This evaluation also encompassed the development of their digital literacy, reading, and technical competencies, alongside their preparedness for life in Society 4.0. Findings from the research indicated that children of workers in the mining sector who were enrolled in primary school utilised computers for academic purposes in an irregular manner. Notably, nearly 29% of respondents reported a lack of access to a fast Internet connection at home, and a mere 2% expressed interest in reading scientific and technical electronic texts. This contribution is part of a research initiative within the framework of the Just Transition Operational Programme, project REFRESH (Research Excellence for Region Sustainability and High-tech Industries), registration number CZ10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048.