How can vocational education and training become a pathway to success for every learner? A new Lithuanian initiative aims to reduce barriers and create inclusive, learner-centred vocational education and training for all.
Challenges of inclusive participation in VET
Equipping young people with essential skills for work and life is crucial for improving their employability and reducing skills mismatches in the labour market. However, learners with special educational needs (SEN), as well as those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, face additional challenges in accessing and successfully completing vocational education and training programmes. The main barriers to their participation and success include a shortage of support specialists, insufficient learning support, and a lack of specialised teaching and learning resources.
Lithuania’s response: accessibility of vocational education and training for all
To address these challenges, Lithuania launched a 55-month project in October 2024 "Vocational education and training – accessible to all". The aim of the project is to ensure high-quality vocational education and training for all learners. The project focuses on increasing the accessibility of VET and creating an inclusive learning environment that responds to the diverse needs of learners.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of vocational education and training institutions to provide flexible, learner-centred learning opportunities tailored to individual needs. Through the implementation of targeted support measures, the project aims to promote equality and maximise the benefits of VET for specific groups of learners (SEN and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds). The project’s target groups include learners with special educational needs, learners from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, as well as teachers and educational support specialists working in the VET system.
To achieve the project’s objectives, vocational education and training institutions will be supported in creating inclusive learning environments and adapting VET programmes and training content to the individual needs of learners. The project also includes specialised professional development training and methodological support for teachers and educational support specialists, promoting the use of diverse teaching methods and positive attitudes towards evolving teaching and learning processes. In addition, non-formal education activities, such as career days and other targeted initiatives, will be organised to support the personal and professional development of learners with SEN and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
The project is expected to contribute to supporting 790 disadvantaged learners, significantly improving their opportunities to participate in vocational education and training. The aim is to enable these learners not only to access the VET system but also to obtain recognised qualifications and successfully integrate into the labour market. At the same time, the initiative will contribute to strengthening a culture of quality in VET institutions, based on the principles of inclusion and social integration. This will help expand opportunities in vocational education and training for all individuals, regardless of their individual needs, abilities or socio-economic background.
The project is administered by the European Social Fund Agency. The project partners include – vocational education and training institutions, Centre for the Development of Qualifications and Vocational Training, the Lithuanian Centre for Inclusion in Education and the Lithuanian Non-Formal Education Agency.
The total project funding amounts – 5 106 147.82 Eur, it is funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and national co-financing.
More information
- Informacija apie projektą „Profesinis mokymas – prieinamas visiems“ (10-020-P-0001)
- Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerijos informacija apie paramos priemones, skirtas gerinti SUP turinčių mokinių ir mokinių iš NSEA prieigą prie profesinio mokymo
- Informacija apie kvietimą teikti paraiškas dėl paramos, skirtos gerinti SUP turinčių mokinių ir mokinių iš NSEA prieigą prie profesinio mokymo
Link to the publication on the Cedefop website:
Lietuva: Įtrauktis ir galimybės visiems profesinio mokymo mokiniams
(Lithuania: inclusion and opportunities for all VET students)