SZABADICS Summer BridgeCamp 2.0 – Where the next generation of engineers is taking shape

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today is an ageing workforce and a shortage of new recruits. The Szabadics Academy provides a solution to this problem, having set itself the specific goal of supporting the professional development of young civil engineering students.

The Summer BridgeCamp programme was established in recognition of the fact that, alongside traditional university education, there is a growing need for practical, experience-based learning, as well as opportunities to engage directly with industry stakeholders.

Who is the camp aimed at?

Following last year’s highly successful multi-day professional camp, students from leading Hungarian higher education institutions in the field of engineering are once again welcome to attend this year, including the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the University of Pécs, Óbuda University and Széchenyi István University in Győr.

The selection process involves getting to know the applicants over several stages. Based on their cover letter and CV, the most promising candidates are invited for a face-to-face interview. At SZABADICS, they believe that talent and dedication are not necessarily demonstrated through the completion of complex tasks, which is why they deliberately keep the application process simple. The decision is primarily based on motivation, vision for the future and commitment to the profession.

Experiential learning

In 2026, the SZABADICS Summer BridgeCamp will take place from 27 to 30 August in and around Zalakaros.

One of the event’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive programme. Participants do not merely attend lectures; they become active participants in the professional processes.

During the camp, among other things

• visit the sites of real-life construction projects,
• take part in interactive workshops (for example, BIM, on drone technology or structural engineering),
• they hear from industry experts about the latest trends, such as digitalisation and sustainability,
• They can also engage in direct dialogue with experienced engineers and managers.

What makes this camp special is that, alongside the professional content, there is a strong focus on community building and intergenerational dialogue.

A taste of the programme

At the SZABADICS Group site in Zalakomár, participants can explore various aspects of the profession – from ground-penetrating radar to drone technology – through hands-on workshops. During project visits, they can experience the diversity of structural and civil engineering in a real construction environment, through the most up-to-date and exciting projects. A separate BIM workshop will support the acquisition of a digital design approach.

The professional programme is complemented by experiential activities. Following a visit to the Pálos Mill, participants will be treated to a pálinka tasting, whilst at the Kányavári Wine Estate, the programme will be enriched by professional presentations – on the topics of digitalisation and sustainability – combined with a site visit, as well as a generational talk by Tamás Trunk.

Genuine connections and inspiration

Participants gain not only knowledge but also valuable contacts. The programme provides an opportunity for students to meet key figures in the industry face-to-face and gain an insight into the challenges and opportunities of day-to-day engineering work.

Open discussions, group tasks and informal activities all help young people to gain a realistic picture of a career in the construction industry.

The SZABADICS Summer BridgeCamp goes beyond a simple summer camp; it aims to serve as a genuine bridge between university education and industry practice.  

What does the applicant receive?

Participants in the SZABADICS Summer BridgeCamp course

• gain up-to-date, practical knowledge,
• gain a deeper professional insight through real-world projects,
• build relationships with recognised figures in the profession,
• develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills,
• and gain inspiration to shape their own professional futures.

It is no coincidence that former participants in the programme gave their experiences an exceptionally high satisfaction rating of 4.8 and that 100% would recommend the camp to others.

Further information and registration: SZABADICS AKADÉMIA – Szabadics Group