Bata School of Work

Abstract

A unique concept within the Bata School of Works was in-house employee training that centred on overall education and training. Tomas Bata based this concept primarily on the model of Ford's Works in the USA and the principles of pedagogical reformism that was popular in the early 20th century. From 1924/25, newly hired blue collar workers were trained in 3 year apprenticeships under skillful instructors and lived in a controlled model of boarding houses which prepared their practical, academic and cultural skills. This concept was called the Bata School of Work. Since 1929, other educational institutions such as the School of Sales, Study Institute and the Schoool of Arts were also established, as well as, the Higher Expert Technical School and the Saturday's Conferences for Supervisors which focused on managers. The main objective was to build a strong identity and loyalty between the employee and the company.