2024
Recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad
On 12 June 2024, this procedure was updated to cover the recognition of vocational training qualifications, in addition to the recognition of higher education qualifications obtained abroad, already in place. Lithuanians who have graduated and worked abroad, or foreigners who arrive, will no longer have to re-train for competences already acquired to succeed in employment, apply for certain positions, salary categories or indeed, continue their studies in a Lithuanian vocational training institution or higher education institution. Until now, each employer or training institution has been free to decide on the recognition of a specific vocational qualification acquired abroad, and there has been a lack of unified state supervision.
2023
Individual Learning Accounts system
A digital education platform, the Individual Learning Accounts system, was launched last December as a “one-stop shop” for learning and competences development for adults. On the platform, learners will have their own individual accounts and will be able to access funding for learning in the areas of national priority. As much as 50% of the public funding will be allocated to programmes that develop digital competences. The State will also fund programmes to improve adult literacy, multilingualism, maths, engineering, learning to learn and other competences. Those who complete the training will receive digital certification. Adults who choose the prioritised programmes will be able to receive a learning basket worth €500. The Learning Basket will be available to people aged 18–65 who are in employment and who have already obtained a qualification or higher education.
2022
Transformation of the network of vocational training institutions
Starting from the 2022 academic year, a restructured network of vocational training institutions, in which the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports implements the rights and obligations of the owner (shareholder), will begin operating.
The purpose of this transformation is to make rational use of resources to create an effectively functioning, accessible network of vocational training institutions that implement vocational training programmes that meet the needs of the labour market, and that at the same time create favourable conditions for individuals to acquire qualifications; to create opportunities for persons studying in accordance with the professional training programme to obtain basic or secondary education, as needed, and to receive pedagogical, psychological, special pedagogical, social pedagogical and other educational. This will be done by combining the vocational training programmes of the vocational training institutions operating in the relevant region with the needs of the companies operating in the region, by eliminating excess assets, creating prerequisites for high-quality vocational training, efficient use of finances, optimal investment in vocational training infrastructure and human resources.