Evolution of competence concept in Lithuania: from VET reform to development of National Qualifications System

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the development of the concept of competence in Lithuania beginning from the period of transition from the Soviet planned economy and post‐totalitarian regime to the market economy and democratic society and ending with the designing and implementation of the National Qualifications System and Qualifications Framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of desktop research of scientific literature and analysis of documents related to competences and qualifications in Lithuania.FindingsThe understanding of competence in Lithuania varies between the official usage in the laws and policy documents, common usage in education institutions and the approaches of employers, and this differentiation of understanding is caused by complex reasons related to the development of education, world of work and society in the socio‐economic transformations. In the National Qualifications System and National Framework of Qualifications of Lithuania competences are understood to be a bridge between the system of activities and the system of education.Research limitations/implicationsThe research involves mainly those concepts of competence that are originated by different social stakeholders and have influence on the processes of initial and continuing vocational training in Lithuania. All different scientific concepts of competence proposed by different scholars and circulating only in the scientific discourse have not been considered.Practical implicationsThe article provides useful information for the policy makers and different stakeholders looking for information on the existing variety of the concepts of competences in Lithuania.Originality/valueThe paper provides a discourse that integrates the various complex conceptual and contextual issues related to the concept of competence.

The importance of soft skills in the university academic curriculum: The perceptions of the students in the new society of knowledge

“…Due to the new economic order, marked by an informational evolutionary revolution, much has been discussed about the qualifications and skills hold by employees (Civelli, 1997;Fleury & Fleury, 2001;Laužackas, Tūtlys & Spūdyte, 2009;Pereira, 2013a;Pereira, 2013b;Pereira, 2015). The education and training agenda has also unveiled much concern, thereby questioning academic curricula (Athey & Orth, 1999;Binks, 1996;European Commission, 1995;Fallows & Steven, 2000;Garavan, Morley, Gunnigle & Collins, 2001;Hawkins & Winte, 1996;Laughton & Montanheiro, 1996;Stagg, 1996;Waterman, Waterman & Collard, 1994).…”

Implementing a national qualifications framework in Lithuania

“…The NQF is seen as providing an opportunity to develop reliable processes of labour market needs analysis and forecasting. This, together with occupational standards and a national qualifications register should ensure compatibility between qualifications and the needs of enterprises (Laužackas, Tūtlys, and Spūdytė 2009).…”

Administrative Excellence Within Public School Heads’ Approach

“…In the second perspective, competence refers to the knowledge and skills, and the relevant performance standards, where competence is the equivalent of work performance standards, a combination of knowledge and skills associated with productive activities (Brocmann et al, 2009;Vazirani, 2010). From the first point of view, competence can be understood as competency, which manifests itself in the performance of an employee, as the ability to effectively use his efforts (Laužackas, Tūtlys, & Spūdytė, 2009). Competence shows that a person is able to perform a certain function, as well as competence reveals the use of that ability in practice and the quality of its expression.…”

“…Qualification improvement is a process of updating and improving the available professional knowledge and skills (Laužackas, et al, 2009) developed… . This list has become the basis for the model of the entire system of educational establishment management.…”