VET Lithuania.pdf

VET in Lithuania is offered from lower to post-secondary education, with programmes modularised and a minimum duration of 30 credits acquired in a half year. The Ministry of Education and Science is the main body responsible for shaping and implementing VET policy. VET qualifications are awarded after a specified exam, and programmes lead to qualifications at EQF levels 2 to 4. Formal continuing VET is for learners who want to improve an existing qualification or acquire a new one, and non-formal VET programmes must follow a specified template. Work-based learning is a significant part of VET, with at least 110 to 220 hours spent in a company. Social partners participate in developing new qualifications and VET programmes. The 2018 VET law boosted the role of sectoral professional committees in shaping VET qualifications. Distinctive features of VET include centralised and highly regulated initial VET, and continuing VET delivered by various providers. Challenges include encouraging participation in VET among young learners, and policy responses include increasing VET flexibility and attractiveness, and reforming VET institution networks.