Ida-Viru Vocational Education Center, located in Estonia, has made a significant decision to transition from Russian language vocational education to entirely Estonian language instruction. This change includes the discontinuation of Russian language continuing education programs for adults, despite the fact that the Estonian government continues to support such programs. The school is currently conducting intensive courses aimed at improving the Estonian language proficiency among vocational students to facilitate this transition.

Starting from the upcoming autumn, the center will no longer offer a mixed model of vocational education (60% Estonian and 40% Russian) and will instead implement a completely Estonian language curriculum. This decision is rooted in the belief that education in Estonia should be conducted in the Estonian language, which is seen as a critical aspect of the nation's identity and integration. However, this shift is expected to create challenges for the local Russian-speaking population, as they express a continued demand for education in their native language.

The leadership of the vocational center acknowledges the significant impact this decision will have in Ida-Viru County, where a large portion of the population speaks Russian. They encourage businesses and stakeholders to adopt a broader perspective, not just focusing on immediate regional needs but considering the implications for the wider Estonian society. This move marks a notable moment in Estonia's educational policy, emphasizing the importance of the national language in vocational training and potentially setting a precedent for other educational institutions in the country.