BorderLink partners hold joint workshop in Rēzekne to develop a common educational programme framework

On 11 August, a workshop for Latvian and Estonian project partners was held in Rēzekne as part of the “Skills for Labour Market Integration” (BorderLink) project. The partners introduced the business and education environments of their respective regions, shared their experience of working with young people and began jointly planning the content of the new training programme. They also discussed the programme development approach, analysed the specific characteristics of each region and agreed on the next steps towards creating a common programme framework.

The programme will aim to help young people develop entrepreneurial and transferable skills needed in the labour market, with particular attention given to those living in remote border regions. It will combine theoretical knowledge with practical activities and cover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, digital skills, the use of artificial intelligence in professional settings, and other competencies required by businesses in the project partner regions.

Particular attention was given to ensuring that the new programme complements the existing educational offer with practical, modern learning elements aligned with the needs of employers.

The Rēzekne workshop was the first in a series of partner workshops. Similar meetings are planned in Ida-Viru County and Võru County in Estonia. Following the in-person sessions, the partners will continue regular online consultations to gradually develop a common strategic framework and lay the groundwork for the preparation of specific training content and methodological materials.

All four BorderLink partners share responsibility for developing the strategic framework. External experts will be involved in preparing the technical content and teaching materials. Educators trained within the project will later deliver the programme to young people.

The Latgale Planning Region presented Latgale’s business environment, including educational opportunities, key economic sectors, the employment situation, foreign investment and the advantages offered by the Latgale Special Economic Zone. The partners were also introduced to successful companies in Latgale and their ability to develop competitive products for export markets.

During the workshop, the partners shared their experience and discussed:

• the skills young people need in today’s labour market;
• how to introduce young people more effectively to entrepreneurship and real working environments;
• how to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions, businesses and regional organisations;
• how each partner’s experience can contribute to the development of a joint practical training programme.

This exchange of experience helped the partners better understand both their shared challenges and the specific opportunities available in each region. It marked an important first step towards jointly developing practical activities that respond to the needs of young people and the labour market in Latgale, Ida-Viru County and Võru County over the next two years.

Contact information:

Sarmīte Teivāne
Project Manager
Latgale Planning Region
Email: sarmite.teivane@lpr.gov.lv