Vocational Education That Helps Young People Find Their Place in Society
The Alsviķi branch of Smiltene Technical School holds a special place in Latvia’s vocational education system. It is a place where young people from all over Latvia learn professions in demand on the labour market, such as assistant cook, woodworking machinery operator, finishing worker, shoemaker, construction products carpenter and other occupations. At the same time, it is the only state-established vocational education institution in Latvia specialising in working with young people and adults with special educational needs.
In the new academic year, around 130 students will once again study their chosen professions in Alsviķi. Most are learners with intellectual disabilities or acquired disabilities, while others have learning difficulties or other support needs in the educational process. For all of them, Alsviķi provides an opportunity to gain a professional qualification in an environment suited to their needs, acquire practical skills, become more independent and, after graduation, integrate more successfully into the labour market and society.
“It is very specific work, but at the same time it is very, very rewarding work,” says Rolands Aģis, Director of Smiltene Technical School. “Our goal is to prepare these young people for the labour market and independent life. When you see that a graduate is successfully working, has found their place in society and, years later, still comes back to school to thank their teachers, you realise just how meaningful this work is. One heartwarming example is Ģirts Zālītis, who graduated more than ten years ago and now works in the oncology department of Gaiļezers Hospital. Every year, he finds time to come to the school around graduation and surprise his former teachers with a cake he has made himself.”
Most students come to Alsviķi after completing the 9th grade, but there are also adults who decide to acquire a profession later in life. Many come from socially challenging backgrounds, including children’s homes, meaning that the school becomes not only a place to learn a profession, but also a safe environment where they can develop a sense of belonging.
The Alsviķi branch is located in a historic complex of buildings that has been adapted to the needs of the educational institution over the years. Some of the buildings are used for educational purposes, while others serve as student accommodation and rehabilitation facilities.
“The historic surroundings give the school a distinctive character and charm, but at the same time, historic buildings naturally require very thoughtful management and maintenance. That is why we are particularly grateful for the opportunity to gradually renovate them. Given the specific needs of our institution, a modern environment has a significant impact not only on students’ well-being, but also makes the daily work of our staff easier and helps ensure a high-quality learning process, enabling young people to acquire their professions as successfully as possible,” says R. Aģis.
A significant part of the infrastructure improvements in Alsviķi has been implemented with support from European Union funds. During previous programming periods, the institution’s engineering systems were renovated, accessibility was improved, rehabilitation equipment was purchased and lifts were installed to make it easier for people with mobility impairments to move between the student accommodation, school and canteen. In addition, through efficient resource management, the technical school has purchased and installed two lifts – in the school and the main building – to make the learning environment even more accessible. The heating system has also been modernised, with a fully automated heating system introduced as a result of rational and carefully planned management.
Infrastructure improvements are continuing this summer. With support from European Union funds, sanitary facilities are being renovated, new shower rooms are being built, the roof is being reconstructed and a rehabilitation centre is being established in the student accommodation building. Some of the work was completed by the beginning of the new academic year, while the rehabilitation centre and certain construction works will be completed at a later stage.
As Smiltene Technical School’s director emphasises, the work at the Alsviķi branch is a team effort. Students are supported not only by teachers, but also by teaching assistants, psychologists, social pedagogues, medical staff and other specialists, who work together to help each student acquire a profession, develop independent living skills and prepare as successfully as possible for the labour market.
Rolands Aģis is pleased to note that employers’ attitudes have also changed positively in recent years. An increasing number of companies are willing to offer students work placements, which often become their first jobs after graduation.
“Society’s attitude is gradually changing for the better. Employers increasingly value people with special needs and recognise their willingness to work. We have several long-standing partners who are happy to provide work placements and later employ our graduates as well. This is the strongest proof that this work is delivering results,” the director says.
At the same time, he acknowledges that stereotypes about specialised educational institutions and vocational education in general still persist in society. In his view, the name or specialisation of an educational institution should not become a label that limits a young person’s future opportunities.
“Here, young people obtain the same professional qualifications as they would at any other technical school. Depending on the programme they choose and their abilities, they can also acquire general secondary education, which then enables them to continue their studies at a higher level. Therefore, I would encourage parents not to be afraid to take advantage of this opportunity if their child would benefit from an environment where broader specialist support is available. Sometimes it is precisely such an environment that helps a young person fully discover their abilities and find their place in life,” R. Aģis emphasises.
The director is convinced that vocational education in Latvia deserves much greater recognition because it not only prepares specialists needed by the labour market, but also opens up broad opportunities to continue education and build a successful professional career. Upon graduating from a technical school, students can obtain two forms of education at the same time – general secondary and vocational education.
“Vocational education is one of the cornerstones of the national economy. Our task is to prepare highly skilled mid-level specialists who are needed in the labour market. And this certainly does not close the door to further education – quite the opposite. Many graduates with very good and excellent results go on to study at universities as well,” says R. Aģis.
This story was created with support from EU funds.
