With the aim of bridging the two learning paths and promoting the attractiveness and flexibility of vocational education and training, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports is introducing vocational modules in the last four years of secondary (general) education, starting from September 2020.

Vocational training programmes in Lithuania consist of modules that create opportunities for learners to acquire a vocational qualification not only by study that follows a complete programme but also by taking individual modules and choosing the most acceptable way and pace of learning.

As of September, vocational modules will be available in grades 9-10 (lower) and 11-12 (upper secondary) of general education schools (in gymnasiums, these grades are nationally referred to as first to fourth classes).

Learners who decide to follow a vocational module will be exempted from learning in the technologies subject (technologijų dalykas) of the general education curriculum. This initiative provides an opportunity to spend three to six weekly lessons on one or several vocational modules (depending on their duration) and to become familiarised with VET school facilities and training programmes.

The technologies subject is meant to deepen learners’ knowledge on technologies and develop their practical skills. In lower secondary it covers 92.5 academic hours over the period of two years (in fields such as nutrition, textile, construction materials, electronics, product design and technologies); in upper secondary, its share is 140 academic hours in six fields (textile and clothing; applied art, crafts and design; tourism and nutrition technologies; construction and wood processing; business, management and retail trade; mechanics and repair or arts education, such as fine arts, music, dance, theatre). Technologies (or arts) subjects are taught by general education school teachers.

More than 250 modules from various vocational training programmes have been proposed in the following education areas: environment, architecture and construction, manufacturing and processing, information and communication technologies, engineering and engineering trades, arts, personal services, welfare, transport services, business and administration and agriculture.

The modules range from 5 to 10 credits and include theoretical and practical training. They will be delivered in vocational schools (workshops, laboratories, sectoral practical training centres) and the teaching process will follow an individual education plan prepared jointly by general education and vocational training schools. Upon completion of a separate module, the learners will receive a state-recognised certificate of acquired competences. If learners continue their studies in the vocational stream, the acquired competences can be recognised, thus shortening the duration of studies.

The admission process to vocational programmes (and their modules) for the academic year 2020/21 will be carried out between 20 May and 26 August, through the online general admission system of the Lithuanian Association of Higher Education Institutions for Organising General Admission (LAMA BPO). Students are invited to register independently or with the help of the general education/vocational schools.

Read more

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (2020). Order of 27 January 2020, No V-96 on the general admission deadlines 2020 to formal vocational education and training programmes

Lithuanian Association of Higher Education Institutions for Organising General Admission (LAMA BPO)

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (2019). Order of 22 August 2019, No V-929 on the approval of common vocational education and training plans for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 Academic Years

Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre (2019). Methodology of Preparation formal vocational education and training programmes

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (2017). Order of 17 May 2017, No V-373 of the procedure for general admission to initial or continuing vocational training programmes to a State or Municipal or Non-State vocational training establishment