Swiss-Latvia Cooperation programme opening

On 1st of October 2025, the Opening Forum of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme “Swiss–Latvian Cooperation for the Development of Work-Based Learning” will take place. The aim of the forum will be to explore Switzerland’s experience in implementing the dual approach to vocational education and training and to discuss opportunities for adapting and developing this model in Latvia. Forum will bring together employers, companies, sectoral associations, as well as representatives of educational institutions and policy-makers.

The forum will be opened by Dace Melbārde, Minister for Education and Science; Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, Ambassador of Switzerland to Latvia; and Inta Ozola, Director of the State Education Development Agency (SEDA).
The event will also be attended by cooperation partners from the Swiss Federal Institute of Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET), the Swiss Hotel and Catering Industry Training Centre “Hotel & Gastro formation Schweiz”, and Latvian industry associations and societies.

During the forum, experts will present Switzerland’s dual vocational education system and share the experience of Latvian companies in integrating vocational training into the workplace. Discussions are planned on the role and benefits of companies, the state and educational institutions in preparing new specialists according to the needs of the labor market, strengthening the involvement of employers in the implementation of vocational education in the company, based on the Swiss experience.

In the afternoon, practical workshops with Swiss experts will provide an in-depth look at the principles of sector-based learning and assessment, public–private cooperation models, and the development of cost–benefit approaches in tripartite partnerships between the state, businesses and vocational education institutions.

Entrepreneurs and association representatives from the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme’s priority sectors — agriculture, mechanical engineering, energy and hospitality — are especially invited to participate.
The forum will offer an excellent opportunity to gain new ideas, establish partnerships and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry by utilizing Swiss experience and knowledge.

The forum will be held on 1st of October in Riga, at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel & Spa, from 10:00 to 17:00.
The forum is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia in cooperation with the State Education Development Agency.

With the support of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme, Latvia is launching a new sector-based approach to vocational education.
This approach emphasises close involvement of companies and sectoral organisations in developing and piloting new models for implementing and assessing vocational education, significantly increasing employers’ responsibility and practical participation in the training process.
It will also be supported by a programme for training workplace-based vocational education teachers at higher education level, as well as by expanding digital tools and simulation equipment, which will help build a sustainable vocational education system in the future.

The programme “Stronger Work-Based Learning for Improving Vocational Education and Training in Latvia (VET)” will run from April 2025 to November 2029, in cooperation with sectoral organisations and associations, higher education institutions, the Ministry of Education and Science and the State Education Development Agency.

The opening forum is organised within the framework of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme “Stronger Work-Based Learning for Improving Vocational Education and Training in Latvia (VET)”.

10:00 – 10:30 Registration and morning coffee

10:30 – 10:45 Opening remarks

  • Dace Melbārde, Minister for Education and Science
  • Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, Ambassador of Switzerland to Latvia
  • Inta Ozola, Director of the State Education Development Agency

10:45 – 12:00 The role of vocational education – Switzerland’s experience and Latvia’s path

  • “The success story of vocational education in Switzerland: how it works, why it is successful and what lessons Latvia can learn.”
    Erik Swars, Head of International Affairs, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
  • “Why is dual education strategically important for Latvia?” What are the benefits for employers, the role of educational institutions, and the responsibility of the state?

Ingus Zitmanis, Director of Department of Vocational and Adult Education, Ministry of Education and Science

  • “Practice in action: how joint stock company “Sadales tīkls” integrates vocational training in the company – attracting young professionals and long-term benefits.”
    Artūrs Šmats, Director of Training Centre, joint stock company “Sadales tīkls”
  • “The future of the labour market: how to overcome the shortage of skilled workers – using sector-based learning to address labour shortages and build a professionally prepared and motivated young workforce.”
    Ēriks Lingebērziņš, Chairman of the Board, Association of Latvian Travel Agents and Tour Operators

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch

13:00 – 16:50 Practical workshops: steps towards sector-based vocational education

13:00 – 14:15 “Sector-based learning and examination: what it means in practice, how to implement it and what the benefits are.”
Led by Sabrina Camenzind, Director of “Hotel & Gastro Formation Switzerland”

14:15 – 14:30 Comfort break

14:30 – 15:45 “Public–private cooperation and the development and piloting of cost–benefit approaches: principles of tripartite cooperation between the public sector, vocational education institutions and employers – and what each party gains.”
Led by Jürg Schweri, Professor and Researcher, SFUVET

15:45 – 16:00 Forum summary and closing

16:00 – 17:00 Networking and coffee in an informal atmosphere

Related topics

Swiss-Latvia Cooperation Programme