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The role of technical vocational education and training in transition countries: the case of Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States

This report looks at the change process in the preparation for work of young people and the need to retrain adults. ... Show more
This report looks at the change process in the preparation for work of young people and the need to retrain adults. Financial and technical assistance to support the reform efforts has been provided by the World Bank and the European Union (EU), as well as bilateral donors. The EU Phare program supports the former 'Eastern Bloc' countries and Macedonia in the process of economic transformation and strengthening democracy. The Tacis program supports the New Independent States and Mongolia to develop economic prosperity and political reform. The breadth, range and depth of the education and training reforms proposed or already started are extraordinarily large. Fundamental changes are required in the behaviour of the state, institutions, teachers and 'clients', including students, parents, employers and employees. In the past nine years the process of modernisation has been exceptionally rapid. However, the deeper, systemic reforms take time, possibly a whole generation. Show less

Corporate authors: European Training Foundation (ETF)

Conference name: Second International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education

Date: 1999

Geographic subjects: Asia; Europe; Macedonia (Republic) ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Qualifications; Workforce development; Finance ... [+] Show more
Work-based learning: towards embedded processes and inclusive approach

Context: The context for this paper is strongly underpinned by the significance of the integration of education and ... Show more
Context: The context for this paper is strongly underpinned by the significance of the integration of education and the world of work, which has been recognised as a key issue for policy, practice and research across Europe and beyond.
Approach: The four interrelated symposium papers focus on the complexities of work-based learning and explore its different configurations. The potential of a social ecological approach for exploring the relationships between work and learning will be considered. The papers will further draw on perspectives from three European countries: Germany, Latvia and the UK.
Findings: Through these three cross-national case studies, the context of the workplace has been considered as a crucial indicator of different dimensions of work-related learning. The papers identify some influential interdependent and embedded processes involved, such as the consolidation of theory and practice, digitalisation, personalised workplace learning patterns and crossing boundaries between different sectors, approaches and learning routes such as work-based and Higher Education. In these processes, the central place of agency of the learning individual, needs to be taken into account, and the social ecological approach provides a useful framework to capture the interdependent, relational and contextually embedded developments involved.
Conclusion: Through these three case studies, this paper aims to facilitate cross-national discussion of the complex nature and changing demands of contemporary work-based learning, particularly highlighting the significance of its inclusive perspective and embedded approaches.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Kersh, Natasha; Laczik, Andrea; Evans, Karen; Emms, Kat ... [+] Show more

Conference name: European Conference on Educational Research (ECER)

Date: 2021

Geographic subjects: Germany; Latvia; Great Britain ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Higher education; Industry; Vocational education and training ... [+] Show more
Student's risks to drop out and relation to vocational identity

Approximately 20 per cent of first year students drop out after the first year of studies. Research helps to better ... Show more
Approximately 20 per cent of first year students drop out after the first year of studies. Research helps to better understand the main reasons why students in Latvian universities left their studies as well as students' needs in career education and their relationship with vocational identity. This theoretical approach is based on the assumption that most difficulties in vocational decision making fall into one or more of the following categories - problems of vocational identity, lack of information about jobs or some form of external or internal career barrier.
Results suggest that students, who were thinking of leaving their studies generally show a lower vocational identity level. Significant barriers to finishing studies include personal motivation, inadequate interest in chosen study program and disappointment in studies.
Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

Authors: Smitina, Agita

Conference name: IAEVG International Conference

Date: 2009

Geographic subjects: Latvia; Europe

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Students; Providers of education and training; Participation ... [+] Show more
The professional and personal development of adult education practitioners in Northern Europe

This paper formed part of a thematic workshop held at the CONFINTEA Mid-term Review Conference in Bangkok, Thailand ... Show more
This paper formed part of a thematic workshop held at the CONFINTEA Mid-term Review Conference in Bangkok, Thailand in September 2003. The workshop highlighted policies, programs and projects devoted to adult education training that have been initiated in various parts of the world. The author examines the role of the Nordic Folk Academy (NFA) in the professional and personal development of adult education practitioners in the Nordic countries of the Baltic region (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). The chapter begins by examining current practice in the education and training of adult educators in the region, the personal and professional characteristics of adult educators, and the issues of professionalisation and professional development. It then describes examples from a recent project, 'Learning 4 sharing', initiated in 2000 to develop new courses for adult educators in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, based on the needs of these three countries. The project uses models of best practice developed in other Nordic countries and the rest of Europe. The chapter concludes with consideration of national and institutional policies required to enhance the training of adult educators and the importance of international cooperation and networking.
The workshop report is indexed at TD/IRD 88.379. Individual papers are indexed from TD/TNC 83.85 to TD/TNC 83.90. Show less

Authors: Carlsen, Antra

Corporate authors: UNESCO Institute for Education (UIE)

Conference name: CONFINTEA Mid-Term Review Meeting

Date: 2005

Geographic subjects: Europe; Lithuania; Latvia ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Workforce development; Governance; Employment ... [+] Show more
Drivers of attractiveness and success of initial vocational education and training: Latvian case

Developing the attractiveness of vocational education (VE) and the quality of the vocational education and training ... Show more
Developing the attractiveness of vocational education (VE) and the quality of the vocational education and training (VET) system is dependent on the link between VE and higher education (HE) as well as on the link between VET and working life. The presented project is in line with the Lisbon strategy, which provides promotion and quality of VET. European countries are facing an increase of low-skilled workers and an ageing population. Activities in educational practices will contribute to the preparation of people today and ensure Europe's competitiveness in the future, as well as innovation. The project was built upon the European strategy, framework and tools that will be developed and maintained in several European countries. Among others, the project focuses on the following scientific and research objectives: What's new in human perception of VET systems and how do they see future job opportunities, career development and mobility? How effective and successful are advising and informing systems? Is it possible to develop and implement such a system model in all European countries? Are VET systems of different European countries compatible and are they ready for common responses to changing needs? Among other activities, one of the main objectives of the presented project is an empirical study among VET schools' pupils in seven European countries to validate study quality and transparency of VET systems in those countries. Research results are intended for decision makers, experts, managers in HE and VET institutions and secondary school pupils who plan to enrol into VET. The presented paper contains results derived from research made in Latvian institutions of initial VET as well as their comparison with results obtained in other partner countries.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Lavendels, Juris; Sitikovs, Vjaceslavs; Uhanova, Marina

Conference name: International Technology, Education and Development Conference

Date: 2012

Geographic subjects: Latvia; Europe

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Vocational education and training; Governance; Participation ... [+] Show more
Inequality, technology and job polarization of the youth labor market in Europe

This paper presents a connecting methodology in order to trace the emerging dynamics of inequality for the youth po ... Show more
This paper presents a connecting methodology in order to trace the emerging dynamics of inequality for the youth populace of Europe. [The authors] determine that the development of these dynamics are directly affected by the advancement of technology, and especially related to information and communication technologies (ICTs), owing to their broad encompassing effects on various sectors of employment, education and societal structures. Firstly, the drivers of technological progress were analysed comparing 28 European countries simultaneously over a period extending from 2007 to 2013. Secondly, the relative positioning of these countries with respect to their technological standing was analysed using macro socio-economic indicators, in order to trace the relationship between technological advancement and their comparative levels of inequality for the youth population of their countries. Finally, a methodology was developed in order to ascertain the validity of [the] findings with the aid of a comprehensive indicator that encapsulates the factors governing the technological standing of a country. These exercises were performed on a granular distribution of the European youth populace and over a range of sectors of employment, in order to provide a heuristic connection between education, employment, income levels and ICT.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Bheemaiah, Kariappa; Smith, Mark

Conference name: Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics Annual Mini-Conference

Date: 2015

Geographic subjects: Europe; Austria; Belgium ... [+] Show more Republic">Czech Republic; Britain">Great Britain; [-] Show less

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Youth; Labour market; Equity ... [+] Show more
Good practice of support to students at risk in vocational education

Context: In most countries, there is a significant increase in the number of students at risk - as a result of soci ... Show more
Context: In most countries, there is a significant increase in the number of students at risk - as a result of social conditions and also the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic when many students experienced isolation and lack of live communication with their study mates. The increase in the number of students at risk in vocational education and training (VET) has motivated many academic researchers to examine factors influencing the rise in the number of students at risk and share good-practice identified.
Approach: Research findings in academic publications on good practice in working with students at risk in VET using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods, interviews of students, and focus group discussions with representatives of teaching staff in Latvia were used. A survey of VET teachers working with at-risk students was used as quantitative research methods.
Findings: An excellent and innovative finding was identified as a practice of designating a group mentor - representative of teaching staff devoting his/her full-time workload for individual support and conversations with students at risk. Students have mentioned that it was beneficial and important for them, as often their family members could not provide such support. It was also noted that well-furnished classrooms and other facilities matter a great deal as motivating factors, as well as involvement of students in sports activities and student governance bodies.
Conclusions: Training and seminars for teaching and support staff for work with at-risk students is highly relevant for organising successful work with at-risk students in VET. It is highly recommended to have representatives from teaching staff specifically designated to provide individual consultations regularly and upon a specific need for students at risk on a broad spectrum of issues related to their personal life and studies at school.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Sloka, Biruta; Buligina, Ilze; Tora, Ginta; Dzelme, Juris ... [+] Show more

Conference name: European Conference on Educational Research (ECER)

Date: 2023

Geographic subjects: Latvia; Europe

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Vocational education and training; Providers of education and training; Quality ... [+] Show more
Vocational aspects of empowering at-risk VET students in the Baltic countries and Norway for employment and lifelong learning

This article investigates the ways in which vocational education and training (VET) can enhance social inclusion of ... Show more
This article investigates the ways in which vocational education and training (VET) can enhance social inclusion of young people at-risk, both in terms of combating school dropout and promoting transitions between various (social) learning contexts, such as school-work transition in the Baltic countries and Norway. The study draws on a socio-ecological approach (Evans, Waite and Kersh, 2011), emphasizing that individuals are learning, developing, and acting in a complex system of various social environments and structures, actors, and interrelationships (Jacobsen and Wilensky, 2006; Evans et al., 2011). A mixed-method study by applying a complementary qualitative and a quantitative methodology had been applied. A qualitative, narrative interview study approach is applied to study at-risk youth in VET schools. The study has been targeted to young people, aged 16-24 years, in VET, identified (by their teachers/school leaders) as student at risk in the VET establishments of the Baltic countries and Norway. Research confirmed that at-risk VET students in the most cases notice and value the empowering provided by the vocational education and work experience. These empowering effects include socialization and finding one's place in society and labor market, acquired trust in themselves, received support from the VET teaching staff and acquired positive and meaningful learning experiences.
Published abstract. Show less

Authors: Tutlys, Vidmantas; Kaminskiene, Lina; Tikkanen, Tarja; Gerdien-Bruin, Marieke ... [+] Show more

Conference name: Crossing Boundaries in Vocational Education and Training Conference

Date: 2023

Geographic subjects: Europe; Estonia; Latvia ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Students; Participation; Lifelong learning ... [+] Show more
Quality of vocational education - guarantee for competitiveness in European and global labour market

Vocational Education Centre, operating under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science, impl ... Show more
Vocational Education Centre, operating under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science, implements the national policy on vocational education and training, supports the functioning and development of vocational education and training system in Latvia. Objectives - To implement national policy on vocational education, training and further education in cooperation with national, municipal and private institutions, professional associations of employers and social partners in order to ensure that vocational education and training institutions are able to provide the labour market with competitive labour force. Aim - A developed national vocational education and training system that ensures the quality of vocational education and training: (1) Content in vocational education: Organises development of occupational standards; Organises the Expert groups for evaluation of occupational standards; Updates the national register of occupational standards; Assesses the compliance of curricula with occupational standards; Organises teachers’ in-service training courses and seminars; Organises professional skills competitions; Provides various consultations for education and training institutions; (2) Quality Assurance: Licensing of vocational education and training curricula; Accreditation of vocational education and training curricula; Accreditation of vocational education and training establishments; Accreditation of national examination centres; (3) Education and Training Quality Assurance: Develops methodology for national qualification examinations and procedure instructions; Monitors the development of the tests for national qualification examinations; Organises the process of national qualification examinations; Approves the tests of national qualification examinations; Authorises the Examination Boards.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.
Collections of papers presented under each theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.453 to TD/TNC 81.457; selected papers from this theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.458 to TD/TNC 81.467. Show less

Authors: Brante, Ilze

Conference name: International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) Conference

Date: 2004

Geographic subjects: Europe; Latvia

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Vocational education and training; Quality; Policy ... [+] Show more
Governance and financing of dual VET: foundation of an evaluation framework and findings of a comparative research in five European countries

In the past few years, initiatives in European policy making have been characterised by a renewed interest in conce ... Show more
In the past few years, initiatives in European policy making have been characterised by a renewed interest in concepts of vocational education and training [VET] that build upon the formal connection of workplace training and classroom teaching and which are commonly known as 'dual VET' or 'apprenticeship'. In 2013, [the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training] CEDEFOP awarded a project on governance and financing of [technical and vocational education and training] TVET in five European countries (Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) to a consortium led by Bremen University. Within the frame of this project, three major objectives have been addressed, that are: (1) a definition of favourable governance structures and financing arrangements; (2) a review of the realisation of the governance model in different country settings; and (3) developing visions and strategies for advancing the governance structures. The authors of this paper will focus on the elaboration of the governance model and the methodological design of the study.
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Authors: Hauschildt, Ursel; Wittig, Wolfgang

Conference name: International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship International Conference

Date: 2015

Geographic subjects: Italy; Latvia; Spain ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Conference paper

Subjects: Governance; Finance; Research ... [+] Show more