Reform of VET programmes into modular programmes has started in Lithuania in the national project ‘Formation of qualifications and development of modular vocational education and training (VET)’ (Kvalifikacijų formavimas ir modulinio profesinio mokymo sistemos kūrimas).

Modularisation of VET programmes will promote flexibility of VET options and contribute to individual needs of learners. Opportunities to choose, accumulate and combine separate modules will improve accessibility and attractiveness of learning both for young persons and adults.

Although the initial plan was to revise and restructure 40 VET programmes, discussions about enlarging this number continue. Programmes are designed by expert groups coordinated by Lithuanian confederations of industrialists, sectoral employers’ associations and VET providers. The revision is expected to be finalised in 2014.

When designing programmes a detailed skills analysis for a specific qualification is carried out. In future, modular programmes will follow sectoral qualifications standards (currently under development). Until then, VET standards are taken into account. The programme modules will be expressed in credit points, also a new development in Lithuania. Currently, programme duration and content is assessed in learning hours.

As proposed in the 2009 recommendation of the European Parliament and Council on establishment of a European credit system for vocational education and training (ECVET), the criterion used for credit point allocation to units of learning outcomes is a weighting of learning outcomes of a module in relation to the whole qualification. The current agreement is that one year of training equals 50 credit points and not 60 as suggested in the 2009 ECVET recommendation.

The programme will consist of three types of modules:

  • introductory module: intended for learners to acquaint themselves with professional activities and special features of VET. It also covers self-assessment of previously obtained competences with an opportunity of validating certain programmes;
  • modules intended for obtaining competences: independent elements of a programme, which can be completed independently and not necessarily all at once;
  • final module: intended for general learning to develop skills necessary for integration into the labour market.

Project duration: until August 2014.