Back To promote the development of vocational education and ensure a closer link between learning and labour market needs, the Cabinet of Ministers today approved the regulations prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) for the implementation of the Swiss–Latvia cooperation programme. The programme plans to enhance teachers’ professional competence, improve learning content and environments, and introduce new solutions to strengthen work-based learning.
Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde:
“The programme will provide an opportunity for Latvia’s vocational education system to evolve in a targeted way – to improve the quality of learning, strengthen the role of businesses in preparing new professionals, and use digital tools for more effective skills development. At the same time, investments in teachers’ professional growth will ensure that young people acquire high-quality skills that foster both employability and Latvia’s future competitiveness.”
The programme will be implemented by the MoES and the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) and will consist of two main components:
- Development of vocational education teachers:
- Design and implementation of a new professional further education programme, enabling industry specialists to obtain a qualification as vocational education teachers;
- Development of methodological materials and digital handbooks for teachers and company trainers.
- Strengthening of the work-based vocational education system and implementation of digital innovation:
- Development and piloting of a new dual vocational education model in four sectors – agriculture, mechanical engineering, hospitality, and energy;
- Development and testing of a professional qualification assessment model with the participation of industry experts and companies;
- Introduction of digital learning tools and simulation equipment to support the acquisition of practical skills and foster innovation in the learning process.
The implementation of the programme will bring benefits at all levels:
- Educational institutions – improved curricula, modern equipment, and better-qualified teachers;
- Companies and industries – the opportunity to directly participate in developing curricula and assessment systems aligned with labour market needs;
- Society – higher-quality education, improved employability, and stronger cooperation between the state, schools, and businesses.
The programme “Stronger Work-Based Learning for Improving Vocational Education and Training in Latvia (VET)” is based on Switzerland’s long-standing experience, where dual education is one of the key drivers of economic growth. Two-thirds of young people in Switzerland choose vocational education, which closely integrates classroom learning with company-based training. This approach ensures low youth unemployment, high employability, and effective collaboration between the state, schools, and businesses.
Additional information:
The programme will be implemented from 2025 to 2029, with a total budget of EUR 12.35 million, of which 85% is financed by Switzerland as the donor country.
The Swiss–Latvia cooperation programme is implemented in accordance with the 2019–2029 cooperation framework. The programme operator is the Ministry of Education and Science while the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) acts as cooperation partner.
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