Development of work-based learning (WBL) is a priority of vocational education and training (VET) policy in Baltic States and EU. However, main activities and improvements are focused on secondary level VET, and there are minimal elements of WBL and quality assurance (EQAVET) in next stages, incl. EQF level 5 VET.Wood processing sector is one of the main economy and export drivers in Baltics with high growth potential which facing lack of qualified workforce with digital, green etc. skills and qualification recognized internationally.These challenges will be addressed by creating sector skills alliance and developing European quality VET program that aims to improve the skills of labour force in wood processing sector in Baltic States.Objectives:- Strengthen cooperation between VET institutions and industry representatives- Improve quality of VET institutions by introducing WBL program for internationally recognized qualification in line with EU quality instruments- Improving skills and providing strategy and instruments to address skills shortages in wood processing sector- Foster economic development and innovation of the sector by preparing specialists corresponding to labour market needs- Invest in understanding – digital technologies, mobility and zero-waste production are drivers of change Main results:- WBL training program for EQF level 5 in wood processing sector, approbed in VET institutions and enterprises in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia- Guidelines for developing WBL training program and applying EQAVET indicators, multiplication at EU level- Established partnership – wood sector skills alliance in Baltic states and Germany – with potential of wider, long-term cooperation of VET providers, industry representatives and stakeholdersThe project will initiate long-term changes and positive impact on education systems in Baltics. The transferability of approaches implemented will provide tools for overtaking the results in other countries.
1.Strengthen cooperation between education and training institutions and the industry representatives 2.Improve the competitiveness and quality of VET institutions 3.Address skills shortages in the wood processing sector 4.Foster economic development and innovation by preparing specialists corresponding to labour market needs. 5.Invest in the enhancement of understanding - digital technologies, mobility, competitiveness, and zero-waste production are drivers of changes
In all three Baltic countries, there still are shortages of skilled and qualified workers with the corresponding qualification, and analysis of current education system development indicates that WBL is essential when preparing qualified employees, in particular, European qualification frameworks’ (further -EQF) level 5 which was the object of this project. EQF level 5 is corresponding to the first level higher professional (college) education and therefore vocational education and training.
<< Background >> In all three Baltic countries, there still are shortages of skilled and qualified workers with the corresponding qualification, and analysis of current education system development indicates that WBL is essential when preparing qualified employees, in particular, European qualification frameworks’ (further -EQF) level 5 which was the object of this project. EQF level 5 is corresponding to the first level higher professional (college) education and therefore vocational education and training. << Objectives >> 1.Strengthen cooperation between education and training institutions and the industry representatives 2.Improve the competitiveness and quality of VET institutions 3.Address skills shortages in the wood processing sector 4.Foster economic development and innovation by preparing specialists corresponding to labour market needs. 5.Invest in the enhancement of understanding - digital technologies, mobility, competitiveness, and zero-waste production are drivers of changes << Implementation >> The project was implemented by 9 partners from 4 countries: Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. The project was implemented in 8 work packages. A training program with 10 modules was developed and tested in the Baltic States with 2 student groups each. << Results >> Training program corresponding to EQF 5 standards and more important addressing sector employers’ needs. Expert groups who consisted of main sector stakeholders, teachers and other representatives. Active political discussions about WBL in all 3 Baltic countries. A common understanding of EQF 5 standards. Achieving this common understanding and agreeing on one joint vision how the training program should look like took some time. Program it is highly evaluated by students and employers