EU structural assistance to Lithuania
Opportunities offered by the European Union for education and research
More than LTL 4 billion are expected to be allocated from the State budget and EU structural funds for the national education and research, including about LTL 2.5 billion for the development of the Lithuanian higher education and research. The funds are invested into the reform and revision of the higher education and research system, by concurrently improving the quality of and access to higher education and research. Major part of the funds is allocated for the upgrading of teaching and study infrastructure; it is expected that by 2015 some half a million of all children, students, teachers, researchers and lecturers of the country will be able to use new auditoriums and classrooms, libraries and study programmes, research centres.
Vocational training and adult education
In order to better prepare the younger generation to joint the labour market, a special attention is given to vocational guidance and training. Therefore, 5 regional centres coordinating vocational guidance activities will commence their activity in Lithuania. Meanwhile, 700 career guidance divisions will be opened in general education schools, 70 such divisions will be set up in vocational training schools, and another 16 – in higher education institutions. About 1/3 of all pupils and about 1/5 of all students will be involved in career guidance activities.
In recent years, the majority of Lithuanian vocational training schools changed beyond recognition. Successfully operating vocational training institutions use EU funds to establish modern sectorial practical training centres.
A sectorial practical training centre is a vocational training institution or its autonomous division related to one or few economic sectors of Lithuania and equipped with modern practical teaching facilities. Such centre carries out practical vocational training of persons who wish to acquire or improve professional qualification. Services offered by such centres are available to everybody.
In 2011-2014, 42 such centres will be opened, and for that purpose 293 million are allocated from the EU European Regional Development Fund and the budget of the Republic of Lithuania. Information about programmes offered by vocational training schools, terms of admission and conditions for studies is available at www.aikos.smm.lt
Projects under implementation
Šiauliai Vocational Training Centre
Establishing of the sectorial practical training centre of wholesale and retail trade in Šiauliai Vocational Training Centre
On 1 September 2012, the sectorial practical training centre of wholesale and retail trade will commence its activities in Šiauliai Vocational Training Centre. The establishing of the centre is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Lithuania. The building meeting all latest requirements will have modern state-of-the-art equipment used by trading companies in Europe. The centre will train and retrain tradesmen from all over Lithuania. Training will be performed by highly qualified teachers in that field. Specialists trained in that modern centre will meet the market demand. For more information visit www.sprc.lt
Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business
Development of the sectorial practical training centre of engineering industry; establishing of the sectorial vocational training centre of energy in Vilnius
Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business (hereinafter referred to as the Centre) is a state budgetary institution providing general education (technology gymnasium classes) and professional qualifications. Presently, the Centre provides training in the Administration and Services Department (http://www.aps.vtvpmc.lt/), Transport and Business Department (http://www.tvs.vtvpmc.lt/)and Energy and Mechatronics Department (http://www.ems.vtvpmc.lt/), which offer various occupations required by the national economy.
Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business has competent teachers who do their best to provide quality and modern education for their students. The Centre community is open for innovative ideas, it actively participates in international and state projects.
Availing of the opportunity offered by the programme of sectorial practical training centres, two sectorial practical training centres are being established in the vocational training school. In December 2009, state project “Establishment of Sectorial Vocational Training Centre of Engineering Industry” commenced in the Centre under Operational Programme for Promotion of Cohesion for 2007–2013, 2 priority “Quality and Accessibility of Public Services: Health Care, Education and Social Infrastructure”, VP3-2.2-ŠMM-13-V measure “Developing Infrastructure of Vocational Training”. The goal of the project – to establish the sectorial practical training centre of metal, metalworking and mechatronics in Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business, which would be able to meet the market demand by training highly skilled specialists and by providing labour market participants and students of high education institutions to enhance their practical skills.
The implementation of another project “Establishment of Sectorial Vocational Training Centre of Energy in Vilnius” was commenced in Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business in 2011. The goal of the project – to ensure the training of skilled specialists with quality practical vocational training in the energy sector for the Lithuanian economy.
Sectorial vocational training centres are established in the Energy and Mechatronics Department of Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business (Kalvarijų g. 159), which trains future specialists of energy and mechatronics according to training programmes such as energy systems electronics technician, metal industry equipment mechatronics, water management system operation mechatronics, automatic systems operation mechatronics.
New equipment will help the graduates of the Centre acquire professional qualification, which will meet the requirements of the labour market and employers, and which will strengthen cooperation between training institutions and employers’ organisations. A graduate of Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business will be certain that knowledge and skills that he acquired during training will be the ones required in the actual employment. And the employer involved in the training of specialists for the sector will not be afraid to hire a young specialist.
For more information about Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business visit http://www.vtvpmc.vilnius.lm.lt/
Kaunas Builders Training Centre
Establishing of the practical training centre of wood technologies and furniture making innovations in Kaunas Builders Training Centre
During the implementation of the project the computer-aided lines of wood processing and furniture making (solid wood processing, processing of boards of wood, manufacturing of soft furnishings) will be erected. The newly built building will house dust removal, fire extinguishing sprinkler system; the ventilation and heating of premises will be provided after the recuperation system is installed. This building will also have sanitary premises (showers, WC, changing rooms) as required by Technical Regulation for Construction STR 1.01.06:2002 “Structures of Exceptional Significance” and STR 2.02.02:2004 “Public Buildings". The premises will be equipped in line with environmental, fire protection and occupational safety requirements. For more information about Kaunas Builders Training Centre visit http://www.src.kaunas.lm.lt/
Klaipėda Vocational School of Tourism
Sectorial Practical Training Centre of Hotels, Restaurants and Trade of Klaipėda Vocational School of Tourism
School workshops, which are no longer used, will be reconstructed during the implementation of the project, and they will be made into practical training premises and equipped with acquired practical training equipment in compliance with the labour market requirements. The project outcome shall be modern practical training facilities for hotel, restaurant and trade sector, which is in line with the latest labour market requirements. For more information visit http://www.ktm.lt/
Klaipėda Dressmaking and Service Business School
Sectorial practical training centre of hotels, restaurants and trade of Klaipėda Vocational School of Tourism
Klaipėda Dressmaking and Service Business School is implementing project “Sectorial Practical Training Centre of Textile Production of Klaipėda Dressmaking and Service Business School” (Code VP3-2.2-ŠMM-13-V-02-001) funded from EU structural funds.. The implementation of this project will enable to substantially renew the available textile (sewing) equipment and training facilities as well as to renovate the exterior of the school. During the project (until 31 December 2012), additional premises with the area of 500 sq. m will be built for training in the field of textiles, textile equipment (including hardware and software) in line with the latest labour market requirements and new furniture will be acquired. We seek that the acquired equipment is in demand in Lithuanian and foreign textile companies. The improved school infrastructure will be adapted to persons with reduced mobility, thus securing their equal opportunities to learning. This Centre of Textile Production will admit not only students of Klaipėda Dressmaking and Service Business School; workers of textile companies will be able to learn technological innovations, students of higher education institutions will be able to undergo practical training, while students of gymnasia will be able to prepare for examinations in technologies. We hope that we’ll have sufficient place for all those who wish to acquire/improve skills in dressmaking and fitting or simply wish to learn about textile production.
For more information visit http://www.kspvm.lm.lt/projektai/tarptautiniai/tekstile/tekstile.php
Vilnius Vocational School of Railway and Business Services
Establishing of the sectorial practical training centre of railway specialists
The implementation of project “Establishing of the Sectorial Practical Training Centre of Railway Specialists” (VP3-2.2-ŠMM-13-V-02-002) will provide the opportunity for students of Vilnius Vocational School of Railway and Business Services and students of Petras Vileišis Faculty of Railway Transport of Vilnius College of Technologies and Design to acquire professional qualification and higher non-university education that meets the economic demands and the latest developments of science and technology, and to participate in continuous learning. The sectorial centre will implement Directive 2007/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the certification of train drivers operating locomotives and trains on the railway system in the Community, which will enable railway specialists to compete in the Lithuanian and EU labour market.
Revised and new teaching and study programmes, acquired new equipment will ensure the opportunity for working independently, actively and creatively, with due consideration to the individuality of learners, their experience, abilities and skills.
Persons trained at the sectorial practical training centre will easily find an employment in the railway sector according to their qualifications, upon acquiring the following professions:
• Locomotive driver,
• Metal worker and welder for rolling-stock repair,
• Wagon inspector for repair,
• Diesel and electric train driver,
• Logistics specialist and forwarding agent.
Vilnius Vocational School of Railway and Business Services Website:
http://www.vgtvpm.lt
Public Institution Alanta School of Technology and Business
Establishing of the sectorial practical training centre of agriculture in Public Institution Alanta School of Technology and Business
The project aims at establishing the sectorial practical training centre of agriculture in Public Institution Alanta School of Technology and Business. During the project, training workshops and garages, laboratories for agricultural machinery, granaries, vegetable storage premises, premises of school building A of will be reconstructed by adapting them for the needs of the sectorial practical training centre of agriculture; the training boiler-house will be installed that will use agricultural waste and raw materials; modern equipment and means for practical training will be acquired. The implemented project will enable to train skilled agricultural specialists according to the following 7 modules of training programmes: automated agricultural works, monitoring of planted areas; preparation of fodder and harvesting; warehousing and storage of production; maintenance of agricultural machinery; repair and technical maintenance; the module of alternative energy sources using biofuel; the module of the implementation of the latest cattle-breeding technologies. For more information about Public Institution Alanta School of Technology and Business visit http://www.alantostvm.lm.lt/
Public Institution Kaunas Vocational Training Centre for Service Business Specialists
Sectorial practical training centre of hairdressing, beauty and related services
The project aims at establishing the sectorial practical training centre of hairdressing, beauty and related services in Kaunas Vocational Training Centre for Service Business Specialists. The implemented project will enable to train skilled specialists in hairdressing, beauty and related services sector according to the following 8 modules of training programmes: hairdressing, cosmetics, tailoring, exterior design, wardrobe handling, landscaping, crafts, customer service. For more information about the school visit http://www.ktpvm.lt/
Joniškis Agricultural School
North Lithuanian practical training centre of agricultural technologies and machinery in Joniškis Agricultural School
The project will cover the reconstruction of the school premises (the training farm, the barn, garages, farming buildings, training workshops) and the construction of new premises (an extension to the training farm, a hothouse in the site of the dismantled oil depot, an agronomy classroom (an extension to the farming buildings, vegetable storage premises), the acquisition of new agricultural machinery, training equipment, hardware and furniture required in the direct training process. The implementation of the project will also include the equipment of smithery, welding, metalworking, turnery, agricultural machinery and harvester laboratories and an agronomy classroom, a room for teachers and the training farm, viz. a laboratory and a warehouse as well as premises for storing tools. The implementation of the project will improve/develop the infrastructure of all agricultural training programmes (the total of 8) and will result in the provision of educational services of a higher quality.
For more information about Joniškis Agricultural School visit http://www.jzum.lt/
Public Institution Vilnius Builders Training Centre
Establishing of the sectorial practical training centre of construction in Public Institution Vilnius Builders Training Centre
The project will include the construction of an additional floor on the existing building in Fabijoniškės Division, which will house premises for practical training workshops (approximately 1,000 m2); an additional floor will be separated by building a ceiling in Viršuliškės Division, which will house additional premises for practical training; also, an attic will be added, the water supply and heating system will be renovated, the warmth-keeping of the roof will be performed, as well as furniture and equipment required for practical training will be acquired for both divisions. The project outcome shall be modern practical training facilities for the construction sector, which is in line with the latest labour market requirements.
For more information visit http://www.vsrc.lt/
Vilnius Vocational Education and Training Centre of Technology and Business
Establishing of the sectorial professional training centre of energy in Vilnius
During the project the sectorial professional training centre of energy will be established. For the purpose of the establishing of this Centre, the premises of the Training Centre on the second floor, which are currently not being used/operated, will be repaired, and modern equipment required for training will be acquired. The implemented project is forecasted to have the following principal impact on the quality of services provided by the Training Centre:
• The newly developed infrastructure will ensure the training process by using modern technologies, which are necessary for ensuring the progress, competitiveness and sustainable development of the energy sector.
• Specialists of high professional qualification and competence will be trained; they will meet the regional labour market demands and will be able to work under the conditions of rapid technological change.
• The Training Centre will provide the opportunity for persons to acquire quality primary and continuous vocational education, and will enhance the attractiveness of vocational training.
• Conditions will be provided for the development of new popular programmes for the training of specialists.
Changes in the educational system aim to provide more opportunities for the successful adaptation of not only youth but also of adults in the labour market. This process will be aided by more than 4,000 specialists from adult education institutions who will receive funding from the European Social Fund to enhance their qualification in training and seminars.
In 2007-2013, about LTL 345 million in EU and Lithuanian state funds are expected to be allocated for vocational training and adult education.
Using the EU structural assistance, some 100 study programmes to be used by over 3,700 students are expected to be upgraded by 2015. At the same time, joint study programmes with foreign higher education institutions are being developed, students and teachers are provided with the opportunity to gain international experience in universities, institutions and organisations of other countries.
In Lithuania, a part of EU and state funds are invested into university and college infrastructure, viz. auditoriums, laboratories and classrooms are being equipped and renovated, modern libraries are being developed in higher education institutions, and consulting centres are being established. Approximately 15 universities and about 10 colleges are expected to improve their infrastructure, and 19 research centres, where both students and researchers will be able to carry out their research, are expected to be established by 2015.
The State and the European Union allocated LTL 780 million for the development of higher education studies for 2007-2013.
Science, technologies and innovation
In 2007-2013, the development of national research system gets the “lion’s share” of EU investments. Over LTL 2 billion will reach this field. These funds are used for the strengthening of the national scientific potential and the increase of the competitiveness of the economy, e.g. by establishing five integrated science, study and business valleys. They will not only develop scientific activities and perform research: one of the key goals of the valleys is to bring science and business together, to turn research and invention to money. Some LTL 831 million will be invested into the development of five valleys, viz. Baltic, Sunrise, Santara, Santaka and Nemunas Valleys.
Human resources is another important field funded by the structural funds. EU funds are used for the upgrading of doctoral, post-doctoral and residency studies. About 5,000 teachers, almost the same amount of scientists and other researchers, and approximately 1,000 students engaged in research activities will enhance their knowledge by participating in various conferences, seminars and courses funded by the structural funds.
Find out more about EU funded programmes implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science.
