Vocational education

Vocational training is open to all applicants. No limits have been imposed on persons who have already acquired either vocational or higher education but who wish to supplement their knowledge base or learn a new trade or craft. Enrolment requirements pertaining to prior education are dependent on the type of vocational training applied for and whether the applicant wishes to study according to initial or follow up curricula.

Curricula for vocational secondary education also admit persons of at least 22 years of age who have not received basic education, but who can verify that they have the knowledge, skills and competences equivalent to basic education. The possession of such competences will be evaluated by the vocational education institution.

As a rule, studying at vocational educational institutions is free of charge for the student, with exceptions being centred on vocations that are especially popular or where competition for vacancies outstrips supply. Private vocational education institutions offer both free and tuition fee based learning opportunities. More detailed information is available directly from schools.

Graduating requires that the student accomplish all the study goals listed in the curriculum. The attainment of study goals will be evaluated by vocational exams. In cases where the chosen vocation does not provide an opportunity for performing the vocational exam, the studies will be completed upon passing the school’s graduation exam.

Vocational exams can be undertaken in the student’s school if the school in question has been authorised to provide vocational qualifications. In cases where the school does not have such a right, the exams may be taken at an institution that has been authorised to issue vocational qualifications. For more information about organisations entitled to grant vocations and on the processes involved, please visit the Estonian Qualifications Authority website.

Formal vocational training curricula are divided between national and school curricula.

National curricula form the blueprints for providing upper secondary vocational training. National curricula is implemented by regulations signed by the Minister of Education and Research. National curricula is drafted in co-operation with social partners and by making allowances for pertinent professional standards, vocational education standards and the national curriculum for upper secondary schools.

School curricula are compiled for every individual vocation or profession that can be acquired at the school. The schools’ formal study curricula (excluding vocational secondary education curricula) are compiled based on vocational education standards and associated vocational standards. In cases where no vocational standards exist, the schools must apply for recognition of the curriculaby social partners. Vocational secondary education curricula will be formulated based on national curricula.

Vocational training curricula determine the following:

• the goals and tasks of vocational, specialised and occupational studies;
• attainable learning outcomes;
• links to the Estonian Qualifications Framework;
• requirements for commencing and concluding studies;
• curricular modules and their volumes together with learning outcomes and evaluation criteria;
• options and conditions for choosing modules;
• specialisation opportunities;
• specific qualifications acquired during studies.

Vocational training offers the opportunity to study according to initial and continuing curricula.

Commencing studies based on the initial training curriculum does not require existance of previous professional competence.

The prerequisite for beginning studies under continuing training curricula is the acquisition of profession corresponding to the previous or the same qualification level or the corresponding competencies and level of education. Continuing vocational training takes place only in level 4 and 5 of vocational training.

Workplace based studies constitute a specialised form of vocational education where the ratio of practical assignments undertaken in companies or institutions encompasses at least two thirds of the curriculum.

The student achieves the learning outcomes described in the curriculum by fulfilling working tasks at the company. The remainder of the studies will be undertaken at school.

Workplace based studies are conducted upon signing an intern contract between the school, student and employee, which stipulates the rights and obligations of parties as well as the exact details of the learning process. The employee has to recompense the student for tasks performed to the amount agreed upon in the intern contract. The agreed wages must not be less than the statutory minimum wage established by the government. In cases where the student and employee are already bound by a valid employment contract, no extra wages are paid.