Vocational education in Latvia Baiba Ramina Akademic Information Centre www.aic.lv Helsinki 25 February

Vocational education and training vocational basic education programmes; vocational education programmes vocational secondary educational programmes; first level professional higher education (college education) programmes; professional continuing education programmes; professional development educational programmes;

Professional qualification levels Level 1 -theoretical and practical training that prepares one for performing simple tasks in a certain area of practical activity (assistant of cook, carpenter etc.); Level 2 - theoretical and practical background that allows the holder to perform qualified work independently (carpenter, hairdresser, cook, sewer, welder etc.); Level 3 - advanced theoretical and professional background which enables the holder to fulfil certain tasks, including the planning and organisation of work (various technicians, car mechanics, hotel service specialist etc.); Level 4 - theoretical and practical background that enables the holder to perform complicated tasks as well as to organise and manage others in their work; Level 5 - the highest qualification of the specialist in the given field that enables the holder to plan and perform research and scientific work in the field.

Descriptors 4 Knowledge In the context of EQF, knowledge is described as theoretical and/or factual. Skills In the context of EQF, skills are described as cognitive (involving the use of logical, intuitive and creative thinking) and practical (involving manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments). Competence In the context of EQF, competence is described in terms of responsibility and autonomy. Take responsibility for completion of tasks in work or study. 4.2. Vocational education Basic knowledge and understanding of processes, materials, tools, technology in a certain field of work Find and use information for completion of certain tasks in work. Plan work for completion of certain tasks. Carry out work of a doer independently. Work in cooperation Take responsibility for completion of work tasks. Improve their professional competence 4.3. Vocational upper-secondary education Broad and varied specific knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts in a certain field of work ir routine and specific situations Find, evaluate and use information in creative manner for completing tasks in work and solving problems. Plan and organise work for completing work tasks of certain complexity (it is ensured by advanced theoretical preparation). Supervise routine work of other people by taking a certain responsibility for completion and improvement of work Purposefully improve their competence in a field of work.