This autumn, a new short-cycle professional higher education programme, “Woodworking Technologies”, has begun at LBTU Malnavas koledža, part of the Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte (LBTU), and the first 10 study contracts have already been signed. Licensing of the programme was completed in September this year, and the first group of students has been formed. Graduates of the programme will obtain the qualification of woodworking technologist, prepared in accordance with the relevant legislation and the professional standard.
Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze: “This is an important turning point, giving future specialists the opportunity to gain a modern professional higher education at Malnavas koledža, along with the practical skills needed in the woodworking industry. Because the programme has been developed in close cooperation with companies and organisations in the sector, it meets current labour market requirements and technological trends. The timber industry is one of the sectors that matter most to Latvia's economy and employment, producing high value added goods for both the domestic and export markets. Modern industries such as this need specialists trained to a high intermediate level of education, who can start work at woodworking companies with modern technologies immediately after their studies.”
The programme lasts 2.5 years in full-time studies and 3 years in part-time form. Its structure is modular, ensuring that knowledge is acquired in a logical and consistent sequence. Studies take place at LBTU Malnavas koledža, where a specialised learning environment with modern equipment is being set up, as well as at companies, strengthening students' practical experience. In the future, the equipment is to be supplemented with robotic technologies, which will allow students' competences in modern woodworking to be developed further still. In their very first week of study, students spoke highly of the new programme's structured approach — the learning process begins with basic topics and moves step by step towards more complex ones. They particularly emphasised that the content can be applied practically in real production situations.
Programme director Vilnis Jakovļevs: “The creation of the new study programme is an important event both for LBTU Malnavas koledža and for the sector as a whole. We are offering students a modern education tailored to the labour market, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills in a company setting. I am convinced that this programme will make a significant contribution to the development and competitiveness of Latvia's woodworking industry.”
A comment from Uldis Misiņš, chairman of the board of the employer SIA “Avoti”: “SIA “Avoti” had the opportunity to be involved as the programme took shape, and greatly values how necessary it is for preparing the human resources the sector needs. We are ready to take part in the study process by making our technologies available for training, science and research purposes.”
The introduction of the new programme has been carried out with the support of the EU Recovery Fund project “Strengthening LBTU's institutional capacity for excellence in studies and research”.
Malnavas koledža is an LBTU agency with more than a hundred years of history, located in Malnava, Latgale. The college offers professional education in the fields of agriculture and engineering sciences, delivering education programmes in professional secondary education as well as short-cycle professional higher education study programmes. LBTU Malnavas koledža takes pride in its modern teaching facilities and close cooperation with local companies, providing students with practical knowledge and experience of working with the latest technologies. Further information about LBTU Malnavas koledža is available on the website: www.malnavaskoledza.lv