The European Union Structural Funds are addressing the challenges of young people's education and employment

In June, the Council meeting of the European Union Structural Funds Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” on the progress of the implementation of vocational education support measures was held in Riga in Riga, the results achieved. Latgale Planning Region Latgale business centre also participates in the work of the Supervisory Council.
The overall objective of these projects is to promote closer links between education and work environment in cooperation with expert councils for the development of vocational education and employment. The linking of education and work environment is necessary in order to create a competitive vocational education system, bring it closer to the working environment, develop the skills and competences necessary for young people, increasing the number of vocational training institutions who receive the work environment-based (DVB) training and employing learning practices at the employer. In this way, the prestige and popularity of vocational education are raised, making young people more aware of the opportunities for acquiring valuable skills.
The project “Growth and Employment” 8.5.1. of the operational programme “to increase the number of pupils of qualified vocational educational institutions after their participation in work-based learning or training practice in the enterprise” project will promote co-operation of merchants with educational institutions, ensuring the conformity of vocational education with the current labour market requirements.
The total cost of the project is almost eur 22 million and is expected to be implemented by 2023. The project is implemented by the Latvian Employers Confederation in cooperation with vocational educational institutions, merchants, associations and foundations. At the end of the project, 3 150 students are expected to be involved in the training, while 11 025 students have participated in practical training and training practices.
Employers recognise that participation in the project constitutes a positive image of the company as the company engages in the learning process, enabling the student to study in the working environment. It is also an opportunity to prepare employees qualified for the company, which are currently topical for many employers. The training was already carried out by 329 companies by 2019, of which 75% is micro and small enterprises. Most students are involved in tourism, metalworking, engineering, engineering and construction industries. For the 2018 best DVB training company in Latgale, SIA “Green Island R” was recognised and the “Latvian Railway” was recognised as the 2018 best practice practice company in Latgale.
In the framework of the project “Growth and Employment” 8.5.2. of the operational programme “development of the sectoral qualification system for the development and quality assurance of vocational education”, the development of professional standards and professional qualification requirements, the development of modular vocational education programmes, the development of the methodology and content of vocational qualification examinations, the development/acquisition of expert-examination, teaching tools (including digital learning tools) and simulation equipment shall be performed.
Only Riga Technical College, Kuldīga Technical School and red Cross College have been involved in the project so far. Unfortunately, Latgale vocational education institutions and teachers have not shown an interest in participating in these activities, although the results of this project will be based on further activities of vocational education institutions in the future.
The “growth and employment” of the operational programme 8.5.3. “efficient management of vocational education institutions and improvement of staff competence” will be implemented by 2023, the total project finances are eur 6 086 507, the project funding recipient is the State Education Content Centre (VISC). The target audience of the project is teachers of vocational educational institutions, managers of practitioners, administration and representatives of the Convention. Currently, 4 545 persons have already been involved in the project, providing effective management training for 13 directors of vocational educational institutions, the methodology and practice of the development of modular educational programmes have been completed by 453 participants and the implementation of modular educational programmes 521 participants. Students of both vocational educational institutions and employees of Latvian enterprises shall participate in the training in order to be able to manage vocational training for professional school students after training. The teacher training programme was acquired by 31 teachers from 23 vocational educational institutions. The teachers of Latgale vocational education institutions also participate in this project.
Latgale Planning Region Latgale Business Centre invites Latgale entrepreneurs and educational institutions to actively participate in the activities offered, as these projects can have a significant impact on the development of Latgale labour market and education system.
Valda Ilianova
LPR LUC Commercial Specialist