P4 Skilled and socially inclusive region
4.2. More aligned vocational education and training (VET) programmes in the Central Baltic region
Central Baltic
01.03.2020 - 31.12.2022
€624 517
€505 859
The EU declared its intention to foster the establishment of common professional standards in many fields including Landscaping. However, it is observed that professional standards vary between countries, also in the Central Baltic. Consequently, there are differences also in educational programs.
At the same time, the landscaping industry in the Central Baltic demonstrates similar trends in its development and it seems that most of the skills demanded in our region are very similar. For example, there is an increasing demand for technical skills or skills to deal with new technologies: the profession of landscaping gardener is becoming more technical, so much so, that some countries already have changed the training programme’s name from Landscape Gardener to Landscape Construction Builder.
As well as in practice, ICT has significantly affected also the study process and many people due to time or geographical constraints are now ready to apply to distance learning, e-courses.
These challenges linked to the strong cross-border cooperation in the Central Baltic countries create an opportunity to improve and align landscaping-related vocational education. By sharing resources and by developing landscaping modules and e-course followed by a smooth competence transfer process the aim of this project will be achieved.
Moreover the project will set up Central Baltic Landscaping Vocational School Meeting Point aimed at initiating discussions on the industry challenges and about the opportunity to expand the programme alignment on a larger scale.
Bulduru Dārzkopības vidusskola
Country: LV
Partner budget: 366.177 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 296.603 EUR ERDF
Räpina Aianduskool
Country: EE
Partner budget: 258.340 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 209.256 EUR ERDF
Achieved results
Become More Competitive improved landscape gardener vocational education programme in Latvia and Estonia
The project compared, supplemented and aligned with common up-to-date content an EQF level 4 landscape gardener vocational education programme in Latvia and Estonia. Close involvement of industry specialists ensured that the aligned training programme is practical and includes up-to-date methods. Project also elaborated educational materials in the volume of more than 30 ECTS for landscape gardening distance learning programme. To improve practical teaching process, a mini excavator and equipment for woodworking laboratory were purchased by project partners.
Teachers’ and industry stakeholders’ collaboration in educational materials development allowed to supplement educational content with the latest industry-oriented information. During the process of developing well-organised e-learning environment, teachers and educational institutions’ competence level in landscape gardening content increased, educational vision and goals were strengthened. In addition, the work on creating educational materials in Moodle environment enhanced teachers’ digital skills and supported ICT application in teaching process. Close cooperation with landscaping professionals also gave an opportunity to give feedback to industry on vocational education challenges and landscape gardener’s vocational standard.
Project has expressed that the cross-border collaboration was a big benefit and allowed project partners to share experience and insights, have common discussions and activities, personal contacts with industry representatives and new ideas. Project partners keep improving and implementing the landscape gardening curricula in Estonia and Latvia and have already made plans for future cooperation including with relevant organisations from other countries.
- Landscape gardener vocational education advanced in Latvia and Estonia
- Teachers and industry professionals collaborated
- Cooperation will continue