Since 2011, the Ministry of Welfare has coordinated a Training Commission, which, until 2023, was responsible for defining the training fields and approving the upskilling and reskilling learning programmes for the unemployed as well as for the people at risk of becoming unemployed. However, as of 2024, the functions of the Training Commission have been transferred to the Ministry of Economics. Consequently, a Joint Coordinating Commission for Adult Education has been established, led by the Ministry of Economics. As a result, adult learning training fields and training programmes are approved uniformly across all state-financed adult learning projects, including those organized by the State Employment Agency of Latvia (hereinafter – SEA). In order to receive training, support persons shall be registered in the SEA.
The learning provision consists of vocational (such as Vocational continuing education including modular learning and Professional development programmes), non-formal (such as ICT courses based on DigiComp levels, language courses, truck/vehicle courses) and basic skills programmes as part of active labour market policies to help people access good jobs, with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups (persons with disabilities, low-skilled, aged 50+, employed persons who are facing barriers on the labour market, etc.). Vocational and non-formal training programmes are implemented by applying a method of training vouchers. Since February 2021, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), such as those offered on Coursera, have been provided by the SEA through online learning platforms. Learning programmes are set in accordance with the labour market demand and labour market development forecasts and agreed upon with social partners and representatives of employers’ organizations in Joint Coordinating Commission for Adult Education.
Training lists are prepared:
- based on SEA statistical data: the number of unemployed and profiles in each occupation, free vacancies, recruitment indicators, etc.
- based on data from the short-term labour force forecasts prepared yearly by the SEA.
- taking into account development trends in sectors and medium-term labour market demand forecasts of the Ministry of Economics and the information provided by sectoral experts.
Based on the jobseeker’s interests and abilities, demographic characteristics, self-esteem, and motivation to look for a job and cooperate with the SEA, the profiling system and individual job search plans are instruments that provide the most suitable ALMP measures sequenced in a way that would ensure the most effective labour market outcome. Thus, improving the matching of unemployed and vacant jobs.
In 2024, the OECD TSI project on Modernizing the Latvian Public Employment Service was completed in Latvia. This project (2022-2024) was financed by the DG REFORM’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI). Within this project the OECD provided technical support to the Ministry of Welfare and the SEA with the aim to harness digitalisation and boost the capacity to provide effective and efficient support to jobseekers, persons at risk of losing their job, and employers. Particular focus was set on profiling, skills assessment, matching, business intelligence, and analysis of linked administrative data to strive for more evidence-informed policymaking in the area of labour market policies. The objective of the project was to increase the capacity of the Latvian authorities to support people in returning to good quality employment using modern digital systems and data management solutions, as well as cooperation practices supported by appropriate data exchange between institutions.
SEA provides job search assistance and career guidance to help its clients make informed decisions about their education, training, and career paths. Financial support during training is available – a stipend; regional mobility support to cover transportation and renting costs; costs to adapt training to persons with disabilities if necessary.
Additionally, web-based ICT tools (such as self-assessment career guidance tests; short term labour market forecasts; booking system, CV/vacancies portal) support the training system and are available for the general public.
Assessment and evaluation of training measures and outcomes are regularly carried out: follow-up labour market status 6 months after training, surveys (satisfaction, random calls), and regular impact assessment.
For more information on skills and training, see also section Labour Market Reports and Statistics.
For more detailed information on training measures, visit the website of the State Employment Agency.