Lithuania: model procedure for skills competitions approved

Purpose and objectives of school-level skills competitions

The model procedure defines the purpose of school-level skills competitions as providing opportunities for VET learners and, where applicable, recent graduates to demonstrate professional skills, knowledge and occupational mastery in a competitive but educational setting. The competitions aim to:

• strengthen participants’ professional competences and practical skills;
• enhance learner motivation and engagement in VET;
• increase the attractiveness and prestige of vocational education;
• foster cooperation between learners, teachers and institutions;
• promote creativity, initiative and collaborative problem-solving.

While indicative objectives are proposed, organisers are encouraged to adapt and refine them in line with the specific competition and target group.

Tasks, assessment and quality assurance

A substantial part of the model procedure focuses on competition tasks and assessment. It requires organisers to define the type of tasks (theoretical, practical, creative or a combination) and to ensure that tasks are aligned with the content and learning outcomes of the relevant VET programme. Tasks and assessment criteria must be developed, tested and validated, in cooperation with sectoral VET methodological commissions, before being used in the competition.

The procedure recommends a balanced assessment approach, in which practical tasks carry the greatest weight, while theoretical and creative components complement practical performance. Occupational safety and health and work culture are defined as mandatory assessment areas, accounting for a minimum share of total points. The use of digital assessment tools is encouraged where feasible.

Safety, sustainability and communication

In addition, the model includes provisions on health and safety, environmental sustainability and digital practices, encouraging the use of electronic tools where appropriate. It defines arrangements for awards and recognition for participants and teachers, as well as requirements for public communication of competitions through the national Skills platform and organisers’ websites. The procedure also ensures compliance with data protection rules (GDPR) when handling personal data.

Alignment with national skills competition framework

The model procedure aligns with the national Regulations for Skills Competitions approved in 2024 by the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, which set the overarching framework for organising skills competitions in Lithuania. The regulations cover school-level, national and international competitions, as well as preparation for EuroSkills, and define a three-level implementation model. At strategic level, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport is responsible for legal regulation, funding and the awarding of diplomas and certificates. At coordination level, the Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre (KPMPC) acts as the national coordinator, overseeing procedures, organiser selection, the skills, platform, promotion, monitoring and preparation for EuroSkills, supported by a steering committee and stakeholder representatives. At the coordination level, the steering committee operates to ensure the coordination of organisation, improvement, and funding of national and international competitions. Representatives of stakeholders, VET methodological commissions, and VET teachers who are responsible for preparing learners for EuroSkills competitions are involved in providing methodological support and developing SC tasks and assessment criteria.

Read more:

• Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre (KPMPC). (2025). Director’s Order No. V1-2025-57 of 26 February 2025 On the Approval of the Model School-Level Skills Competition Regulations.
• Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania. (2024). Order No. V-1231 of 6 November 2024 by the Minister of Education, Science and Sports On the Approval of the Regulations for Skills Competitions.