Good practices regarding adult education were shared
Karalius Mindaugas Vocational Training Center was visited by guests from Non-formal Adult Education Center Azote in Balvi, Latvia, on November 13, 2019. They came in accordance with the Nordplus project Developing Adult Digital Competences: International Partnership implemented by Kaunas Teacher Qualification Center. It was interesting for the adult education coordinators to find out how adult education is organized in Lithuania, its demand, what programmes are the most relevant for Lithuanians.
The guests were extremely impressed by King Mindaugas VTC Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Services Sectoral Practical Training Center Modus, which is unique not only in Lithuania but also in the Baltic States. Its Head Ms. Rūta Sutkuvienė presented the services provided in this Practical Training Center, the latest equipment and introduced the possibilities of traineeship. All the activities, departments, forms of training and the most popular professions at King Mindaugas VTC were presented by the Deputy for Education Tomas Darbutas (PhD). The guests were introduced to the virtual learning environment Moodle with its integrated functions. It was important for the guests to find out how this contributes to increasing the efficiency of training and the extent of focus on the development of digital competencies.
Ms. Jūratė Balčiūnienė, Head of the Adult Education Department of King Mindaugas VTC, presented how the department cooperates with the Lithuanian Employment Service regarding the implementation of adult education. According to the Head, the largest number of people were directed to study by the Employment Service, their education being financed by the EU Foundation projects; another part of learners study at their own or the employer’s expense. On average, about 200 people graduate from the Adult Education Department each year. In demand are modular training programmes such as Florist, Hairdresser, Tailor, Makeup Artist and Footwear Maker. The most popular module is Social Worker Basics, and the leading non-formal training programmes are Massage Basics as well as Dog Fur Care and Trimming Basics.
Aistė Antanaitienė (PhD), Head of the Social Service Department, shared her good practices in adult education. The Head presented the way the Department works with social partners to expand the traineeship and employability opportunities for students. We were pleased to have purchased the much-needed practical training equipment and other relevant inventory for a social worker assistant. It was pointed out that the profession of a social worker is at the top every year at the time of admission for studies and is one of the most popular among adults at the Centre.
We are thankful to the guests from Latvia for their visit. We are delighted to have shared good practice in adult education.
