Rimantas acquired MA in Political Science (European Studies) from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University, Lithuania. Professional career started in 1998 in the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Local Authorities of the Republic of Lithuania, where Rimantas was involved in designing and implementation of public financing instruments to promote social and economic development. Rimantas also worked in the Lithuanian Non-formal Education Centre where he helped to develop and manage pilot distance learning projects. In 2001 Rimantas became the member of the management team of the Public Policy and Management Institute based in Vilnius. In the institute Rimantas pursued career as public policy analyst with special focus on education, labour market and social policy. Implemented a number of research, policy evaluation and technical assistance assignments on VET policy during the last 5 years including the study on VET cost-sharing mechanisms in 12 newer EU member states commissioned by CEDEFOP.