The regulations ensuring the conformity of vocational education with EQF requirements have been adopted
On 26 April 2016 the Cabinet of Ministers adopted regulations, which determine the procedures for implementing the specific objective „To ensure the conformity of vocational education with European qualifications framework” of the priority direction „Education, skills and lifelong learning” 8.5.2. of the operational programme “Growth and employment”.
Since 2015, Latvia coordinates the cooperation between the European Union and Central Asian countries in the field of vocational education
During the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), one of the events was the First Meeting of Ministers for Education of the Member States of the EU and of the Central Asian countries. The meeting was held in Riga, Latvia on 25 and 26 June 2015 and was organised by the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU in collaboration with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.
ESF project on vocational education reform and quality closed
On 26 November, 2015 State Education Development Agency held a conference dedicated to the closure of European Social Fund (ESF) project “Development of a sectoral qualifications system and improvement of the efficiency and quality of vocational education and training”. During the project, which lasted for five years, a solid foundation was established for further development of vocational education, quality and prestige.
Increased funding for the state budget scholarships for vocational education students
On 31 August, 2015 the European Social Fund project “Raising attractiveness of initial vocational education” (EU Fund period 2007-2013) was concluded. During the project vocational education institution students with higher achievements had the opportunity to receive scholarships according to their grades.
Continuing the development of work based learning
Work based learning (WBL) is a form of vocational education provision in which learners acquire practical skills and knowledge in a real working environment of company (at least half of the study period), but theoretical knowledge is acquired at a vocational education institution. This education form is recognized in the European Union as one of the best ways to motivate students to engage in vocational education.
Employers’ motivation to take part in implementation of work based learning
The study of Ministry of Economics “The employers’ motivation to take part in the implementation work based learning” was aimed at providing a deeper insight for education and economic policy makers on possible support measures in the implementation of work based learning in vocational education.
The amendments to Education Law sets legal framework for the LQF
On June 18, 2015, the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) adopted amendments to the Education Law. The law is supplemented with a new article on the Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF, article 81). LQF is defined as system of eight levels, which imparts basic, secondary and higher education stages and all the types (general, vocational/professional, academic) of education, as well as professional qualifications obtained outside the formal education system.
The professional qualifications levels referenced to the levels of Latvian Qualifications Framework
On April 23, 2015 Parliament of the Republic of Latvia (Saeima) adopted amendments to the Vocational Education Law. Several of the adopted amendments concern correspondence of professional qualifications and their levels to the Latvian Qualifications Framework (referenced to the EQF in 2011).
Establishing legal framework for employers’ participation in the development and implementation of vocational education
On April 23, 2015 the Parliament of Latvia adopted several amendments to the Vocational Education Law, which is the main legal regulation in vocational education sector. The introduced amendments increase the compliance of vocational education with labour market needs at sectoral, institutional and education programme implementation level.
MoES informs on the conducted structural reforms in vocational education (19.08.2014)
On August 19, 2014, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed the informative report “On activities carried out in terms of the optimisation of vocational education establishment network under the direction of the Ministry of Education and Science and efficient use of resources, continuing the structural reforms between 1st January 2013 and June 30, 2014” prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES).
