September marks the beginning of the school year not only for schoolchildren and students. Residents of Latvia over the age of 18 are offered the chance to learn a new profession, undergo retraining, or enhance their professional skills. There are 140 educational programs available, some of which can be taken completely free of charge, while others require an additional payment of only 10–30% of the training cost.
The State Education Development Agency of Latvia (VIAA) invites working and self-employed residents to take advantage of adult learning programs. Applications can be submitted on the STARS skills management platform.
As noted by VIAA Director Inta Ozola, in the rapidly changing labor market, knowledge and professional skills need to be improved throughout life. September, she says, is a suitable time to assess one's opportunities and think about professional development.
From Concrete Worker to Nursing Assistant
As part of the "Training for the Employed" project, programs in ten areas are offered by 28 educational institutions across Latvia. The catalog is regularly updated.
For free, one can learn professions such as concrete worker, construction and road machinery technician, hydraulic structures technician, or transport structures technician. It is also possible to obtain qualifications as an electrician or electrical installer without tuition fees.
There are free programs in the healthcare and social care sectors as well — in particular, one can obtain qualifications as a caregiver or nursing assistant.
Some Programs Require Additional Payment
Professional qualifications can also be enhanced in construction, energy, metalworking, mechanical engineering, and other fields. For such programs, an additional payment of 10 to 30% of the training cost is required.
For members of low-income households, refugees, and individuals with alternative status, training is provided free of charge.
Who Can Apply
Participation is open to working and self-employed residents of Latvia aged 18 and over.
Additional support measures are provided for certain categories of participants, including individuals with completed or incomplete general secondary education, low-income residents, refugees, individuals with alternative status, as well as holders of the Goda ģimene status.
Those who are unsure about which profession or field to choose are offered free career consultations. These are conducted by consultants in 19 municipalities across the country.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the state budget. By the end of 2029, the training opportunities are planned to reach more than 23,000 working residents of Latvia.
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