Latvia still offers only three vocational programmes without basic school diploma

Young people who have not obtained a basic school diploma can still choose from only three vocational programmes in Latvia, LSM reported Wednesday. The issue was due to be discussed by the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee, but the discussion did not take place.

Although vocational schools and technical schools offer 52 programmes focused solely on professional training, most are unavailable to students who have not passed the centralised examinations after ninth grade. They can study only to become a cook’s assistant, hairdresser or caregiver.

As a result, most students who fail the examinations repeat ninth grade. Several hundred young people fail the basic school examinations each year, but only 26 obtained a profession during the previous school year.

The Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments has called for a broader range of programmes and more state-funded places. Its adviser on education and culture, Ināra Dundure, said the Education and Science Ministry had been instructed by the government to prepare such changes by September 15.

The ministry rejected a proposal to allow students to complete basic education without passing the examinations and has not offered an alternative. It says employers do not want more complex trades to be learned without first acquiring basic skills. The ministry says a system must be created to help students fill gaps in their basic education while learning a profession.

The Saeima committee has promised to hold a more detailed discussion about opportunities for young people with low basic skills after the elections.