Search

Recent years have been challenging in finding solutions to address inequalities, especially in relation to certain branches of national economy. The purpose of the study: suggest a range of educational activities in lifelong learning to increase the employability for certain groups at risk - young people, people before retirement age and in retirement age. The analysis is based on data of the Labour Force Survey, databases of Official Statistics Portal. Methods used - statistical data analysis using time series analysis. The results indicate that lifelong participation has been gaining force in recent years, and a higher share of the population is improving their digital skills. Still, there is a significant part of inhabitants who are excluded from significant mainstream processes, and this tends to prevent them from having appropriate standard of living. This part of the population is typically characterized by low income, low level of information on possible participation in life-long learning activities, lack of access to information technologies (IT) tools and the internet, low level of digital literacy. Innovative solutions of social marketing and the application of positive cases publications are important tools for increasing social inclusion. Virtual contacts and social networking could be added to cultural and business activities. Life-long learning could be more initiated by municipalities and non-governmental organisations in Latvia as other countries have shown wonderful results. Combining complementary digital tools and platforms for the virtual interaction and networking of people from different age groups needs to be used alongside with an appropriate combination of face-to-face contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important pre-condition for successful operation and development of business are highly motivated and professional employees. The aim of the paper is to analyse the employee's knowledge and skills required by the employers. Methods used in the research are: analysis of scientific literature, survey of employers and survey of graduates of vocational education institutions of Kurzeme region, Jelgava city, Jelgava district, Ozolnieki county, Dobele district (the surveys were conducted in June 2013 - October 2013). Methods used for data analysis: descriptive statistics- indicators of central tendency or location and indicators of variability, analysis of variance, cross tabulations and factor analysis. Empirical research results showed that the employers' highly evaluated the following knowledge and skills: specific professional knowledge, ability for self-contained work, ability to plan work time, co-operation ability, initiative, and creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high priority in the EU policy is establishing closer links among education, training, and work for skills' upgrading and employability. This requires innovative and integrated approaches by the involved parties at all levels and sets also new tasks for public administrations in VET provision. The Triple Helix approach is well known in HE and research, implying co-operation among education institutions, public administrations, and enterprises. According to the authors' research, this approach could be useful also in reforming VET systems to promote innovation and employability. The aim of the paper is to evaluate establishment of a model approach with Triple Helix idea for VET as a mechanism for public administrations at national and regional/community level to promote innovation and employability. The tasks are to determine effective ways of co-operation of educators, employers and public administration, and to evaluate the possible approaches. The study was carried out by a desk research and by an empirical study. As a result of the study, theoretical approaches were developed for applying the Triple Helix idea for VET policy making and implementation by public administrations. Conclusions were drawn that, although without a specific reference, elements of the Triple Helix approach already exist in the current EU and Latvian VET, and employment policies and their implementation. Awareness should be raised for public administrations on the potential benefits of a conscious (systemic) application of the Triple Helix approach in VET policy making. Different models should be developed, compared and piloted in local or regional settings to create recommendations for national policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]