Skills for Baltic Wood industry – European Quality in 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