Practical Work/Internship as a part of study programme Mg.paed., Assistant Professor Inga BRASLA Director of study programmes “International Trade and Logistics”, “Innovative Economics and Entrepreneurship” 12 September, 2017, RIGA SPIDE

Personal background What we have done so far What we can/have to improve

Personal background Newcomer in accademic world (since 2013 only) 1999 -2012 co-owner of the transport and logistics company SPEDAIR / GREENCARRIER Newcomer in the accademic world - Does it help or interfere?

One of the main duties besides airfreight business development - has been personnel recruitment, staff training experience during business years helps to understand both - employers and potential employees (=students) today

Education is not completely strange thing for me 

An internship : wonderful and effective way to connect students academic experience with the professional work arena. It allows to gain valuable exposure to the workplace, provides the opportunity for skill development, and gives a competitive edge in the job search.

Colaboration with employers – two way traffic EKA employer student

Reviewers of graduation papers Employers EKA internship Visiting lectures Study tours Reviewers of graduation papers

Reviewer of graduation paper Study tour internship Reviewer of graduation paper Colaboration with employers: Study tours in the companies Internship in their companies Questioneers = feedback about our students Visiting lectures Reviewers of graduation papers Members of qualification commisions

EKA Employer Lectures of EKA staff in the companies Any other suggestions?

SkillsLatvia organised by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) and this year was the first event of this scale in Latvia focused on vocational education and emphasising the importance of acquired skills and excellence on the labour market. For VET schools this is an opportunity to evaluate the content and attractiveness of their study programs among young people, but for future students this is a platform from where they can make their career choice and get acquainted with various professions.

++ Being creative - How to ilustrate logistics not in real environment Our students involved in demonstrations (both – learning themselves and advertising their profession/school for others) New contacts with potential students and career consultants from schools all over country

Collaboration with graduates As Guest and/or Visiting lecturers When speaking pubically, stress that have graduated EKA Graduates offering internship vacancies for our students Have to continue the register of graduates to prove the moto of EKA Making future industry leaders Normunds Kozlovskis

Internship / graduation job 26 weeks // 16 weeks (depends on program) Students finding companies themselves EKA suggests/offers Student is already an employee

Students’ expectations would like EKA offers internship places at the moment only in few cases

Pluses ++ if student has to find internship him-/herself ++ school secures internship companies develop their skills to write CV, application, and approach the company Student’s responsibility is higher Quality guarantee More objective feedback Jolantas piemērs

Minuses Not always the company chosen corresponds to the requirements - - student has to find internship him- /herself - - school secures internship companies Not always the company chosen corresponds to the requirements Student’s evaluation not objective = formal Student gets everything with no personal efforts School ‘risks’ with its reputation

Problems Lack of pedagogical skills «waste of time» Employers school Lack of pedagogical skills «waste of time» Instructors not paid Busy doing business Have to sign agreements with employers Many companies having complicated hierarhy (long process of signing the agreement)

Employer’s expectations Student is a qualified personnel working without any salary

In case EKA offers companies for internship : Data base of companies willing to accept our students and agreements accordingly We have to guarantee the quality of our students

Positive stories Employers visit EKA: students visit companies: - Study tours - Internship Employers visit EKA: - Visiting lectures - Members of qualification commision - Reviewers of graduation papers

How to improve the cooperation with employers give them chance to interview the potential «employee» Provide some training on basic pedagogical skills Work together on best questioneer about results of internship Organize conferences where all parties involved express their opinion

Benefits for employers Chance to choose and assess the students themselves Student on internship is eventual/potential employee Students not only are learning but working at the company Costsaving (not paying for recruitment) Company’s image – investing in education

Thank you for attention and your input into the subject Thank you for attention and your input into the subject ! Let’s try somthing practical …