Vocational Education and Training in Latvia: The Problems and Solutions

Abstract

The Baltic states, as newer members of the European Union (EU), have been involved in the process of developing vocational education and training (VET) that was initiated by the Lisbon Council in 2000 and built upon by the 2002 Copenhagen Declaration. This chapter contributes to a collection of readings that provide information about the reform and development of VET in these countries in light of this European activity. The chapter highlights the need to reform the Latvian VET system to meet contemporary needs and focuses on issues associated with initial vocational education and training. The authors begin by providing a brief socioeconomic background to the current operation of the VET system. They then examine the reform vision and the intended elements of its implementation. The reform vision’s aim is the ‘modernisation of the existing VET system, in order to develop a self-sufficient VET system’. The focal points of the reform vision are: administration; integration of social partners and support institutions; networking of educational institutions; the development of national standards; learning and teaching methods; teacher training; a system of quality assessment; the development of a vocational/professional inservice training system; and funding sources. Several targets have been achieved in relation to legislation, the development of standards, governance, licensing and accreditation of training institutions, curriculum development, vocational guidance, training of teaching staff, and cooperation with social partners. The chapter also describes curriculum development processes and curricula at various levels, including secondary education and higher education, the qualification awarding procedure, the professions for which training is provided, and the avenues for social dialogue and public involvement. The conclusion makes some recommendations for facilitating the more rapid development of the VET system.