In Lithuania, the winter enrollment period for vocational schools has seen a record number of 1.8 thousand students admitted into various programs. The most sought-after fields this year include the training for drivers of cargo vehicles, paramedics, and assistants to educators. The surge in enrollment indicates a growing interest in vocational training among students, which has been encouraged by the government’s focus on addressing skills shortages in the labor market.

Education, Science, and Sport Vice Minister Rolandas Zuoza highlighted that the demand for specialists trained in vocational schools is crucial for the Lithuanian labor market, especially in engineering, nursing, and educational support professions. This trend could be seen as a positive response to ongoing concerns regarding skill gaps in these sectors, showing that youth are increasingly considering vocational education as a viable career path.

The highest number of new students this year were recorded at several institutions, including the King Mindaugas Vocational Training Center and various others. This pattern suggests that the vocational training centers are gaining recognition and trust among potential students and their families, possibly signaling a shift in perceptions about vocational education in Lithuania.