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Framework of Actions for the Lifelong Development of Competencies and Qualifications - Lithuania
Source: European Union
In March 2002, the European social partners adopted a framework of actions for the lifelong development of competences and qualifications, as a contribution to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy.
Actions taken at national level
At national level social partners are involved in several initiatives, which supported the objectives of the framework.
The structure of the Lithuanian education system and the types of educational institutions and study establishments are defined by the Law on Education, the Law on Research and Studies, the Law on Vocational Education and Training, the Law on Non-formal Adult Education, and the Law on Higher Education. The state regulates and controls formal education, i.e. development, learning and studies, successful completion of which leads to a state recognised diploma or certificate. Non-formal education is organised on the basis of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, the Law on Education, the Law on Non-formal Education, and other laws and statutory documents.
The national strategy of lifelong learning in Lithuania and action plan was adopted on 26 March 2004. Representatives of social partners participated in a working group for preparation of strategy. Social partners participated in discussions and preparation activities of Strategic Guidelines for Development of Education for 2003 – 2012, which provides a practical vision of the Lithuanian education that guarantees quality of education and life learning. Among the aims of the guidelines: all residents of Lithuania not having acquired the required education and qualification are invited to study and acquire education and qualifications. This aim is achieved also through bridging formal, non- formal and informal education: introduction of module-based teaching in certain education links and developing the procedure for accreditation of modules on both formal and non-formal education, the system for formal recognition of competences acquired in non-formal and informal way.
In 2004 social partners participated in the conference “Transparency And Recognition Of Qualifications: Challenges And Perspectives For New Member States” discussing the proposal for creation of National Qualification System Management Scheme. According to this scheme, a new Board of Qualifications should be established, which defines the standard for the qualifications framework as well as development principles; defines requirements for the structure of qualifications and accredits them (includes in the framework); defines requirements for occupational standards, coordinates their preparation and approves them; defines requirements for institutions awarding the right to assess qualifications of individuals and accredits them; monitors the activities of institutions awarding the right to assess qualifications of individuals.
According to the proposals, the Board will work together with institutions preparing occupational standards, institutions awarding the right to assess qualifications of individuals and institutions responsible for qualification assessment and awards. These institutions should report to Lithuanian Vocational Education Council,
Social partners have the possibility to participate in the Lithuanian Vocational Education Council, Lithuanian Labour Exchange Council, regional labour exchange councils, working groups.
Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) participates in the Equal project “Support Network for Pre-retirement Age People’s Reintegration into the Labour Market in Vilnius and Utena Regions”, planning to exercise the motivation, occupational orientation and education of pre-retirement age people, to prepare new models for re-skilling, to inform and support and provide guidance for them for obtaining new competences and qualifications. Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) is also going to join this project in 2005.
Actions taken at sectoral level
Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) organises LPK Presidium sessions, consultative sessions, seminars about professional training. Participants in these events are human resources specialists and experts from the branch and regional associations. Seminars are carried out by experts in HR from Lithuania and Germany
Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) has its own training centre which organises basic training for trade union representatives on legislation, collective bargaining, discussions on national education strategy documents.
Sectoral Trade Unions of Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK): Lithuanian Education Workers Trade Union and Lithuanian Nurses Union organises vocational education for their members giving them recognised certificates.
Actions taken at company level
Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) has concluded several agreements with Lithuanian Universities and jointly organises training courses and consultative meetings in order is to create a basis for the lifelong development of qualifications for the members of the Confederation. LPK as a social partner recognises the great importance of training and qualifications improvement among both employees and managerial staff. LPK is involved in different actions targeted at improving the quality of education in Lithuania.
Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) has organised a number of seminars on the possibility to use EU funds in order to train employees. Great importance is attached to both professional training as well as general training, including language courses.
Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) regularly sends its members to the national and international meetings and seminars on development of vocational training and lifelong learning.
Training centre of Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) organises continuing adult education which involves persons of different educational level and background by offering lifelong learning opportunities and participation in various programmes aimed at increasing competitiveness and developing businesses.
A number of collective agreements have been concluded at the company level. A vocational training of employees is the part of the content of the mentioned collective agreements.
Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation encourages member unions at enterprise level to include questions linked to Vocational training in collective agreements (needs, participants, financing, leave).
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