Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Lithuania (Ratification: 1994)

Articles 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Implementation of vocational education and training policies and programmes. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government refers to its National Education Strategy (2013–22) which defines vocational guidance as a strategic priority and to its Action Plan on Lifelong Learning Development 2017–20. The Government indicates that challenges faced by the career guidance system include the need for better access to quality vocational guidance services, developing the system of training and professional development of career counsellors, and ensuring quality and sustainable funding of vocational guidance services. The Committee notes the range of vocational guidance and training services provided to unemployed persons and employed individuals who wish to change jobs or develop their career, as well as the informal vocational training programs available. It also notes the range of general, occupational and psychological counselling services provided to those jobseekers registered with territorial labour exchange offices. The Government indicates that, from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, vocational information and guidance services were provided to 35,000 jobseekers. The Committee notes, with interest, the significant increase in the number of participants in vocational training from 8,697 persons in 2012 to 21,457 persons (both unemployed persons and individuals in employment seeking to change their qualification and job position) during the period from mid-2017 to mid-2018. The Committee notes that of this number, 44 per cent were women, 23 per cent were young persons under 25, 20 per cent were long-term unemployed persons and 3 per cent were persons with disabilities. The Government adds that, in 2017, 34,000 young persons participated in 7,889 vocational guidance events organized by Youth Job Centres. Regarding consultations with the social partners, the Government reiterates the information provided in its previous report and further indicates that the social partners are involved in the formulation of vocational training policy through the Sectorial Vocational Committees, advisory bodies responsible for coordinating strategic issues concerning the qualification, formation and vocational training related to particular economic sectors of activity. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the implementation and outcomes of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes, including information on the manner in which informal vocational training is recognized. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, indicating the average amount of time within which trainees secure employment after completion of the vocational guidance and training programmes, indicating the percentage of full-time and part-time guidance. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to address the challenges encountered in implementing the vocational guidance system. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures adopted to develop and promote lifelong learning. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed up-to-date information on the vocational guidance and training measures targeting specific categories of persons, particularly persons with disabilities and young persons. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on measures taken to promote the cooperation and engagement of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes. The Government is requested to communicate extracts from reports, studies and inquiries and statistical data relating to the application in practice of the provisions of the Convention (Part VI of the report form).