1. April 2013, Lithuania, Kedainiai

2. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv  Education center «BUTS» was founded in 1991.  The main field of activity – adult education.  In 2002 the education center «BUTS» received certificate of the Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008.  Since 2004 are offered e-learning.  In 2012 education center «BUTS» offers more than 200 licensed and accredited education programs.  «BUTS» is a popular adult educational institution with several thousand students per month.  Education center «BUTS» is a member of several associations and coooperates with various business partners.

3. Education center “BUTS” «BUTS» is one of the largest private educational institutions in Latvia. It has more than 20 branches in all Latvian regions - major Latvian cities. www.buts.lv

4. Education center “BUTS” Quality - the cornerstone of our success. The certificate of the Quality Management System according to ISO 9001:2008 in the field of education, technical testing of welded constructions and materials. www.buts.lv

5. Education center “BUTS” Education center «BUTS» provide training organization with specialization in specific sectors: Occupational safety and protection; Building; Electronics and electrical engineering; Motor transport and auto repair; Welding and plumbing; Real estate administration; Catering and hospitality services ; Bookkeeping; Business; Language learning; Computer knowledge; Personality development; E-learning. www.buts.lv

6. Education center “BUTS”  After the training in the accredited education program the learners are issued national vocational qualification certificate or a certificate of professional development.  Educational documents are recognized not only in Latvia, but also in the world.  More than 12 000 students acquired and developed knowledge in 2012. www.buts.lv

7. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv

8. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv Global problems and professional education Currently in Latvia there are several global problems that also affect the sphere of professional education:  demographic changes - depopulation and population aging;  labor market dynamics that make up demand for new competencies and skills.

9. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv Problems specific to adult professional education in Latvia (I)  Similar and ineffective education programs.  Lack of suitable practical placements.  Weaknesses in the legislation.  Improvement of Adult training system.  Support to companies at the national level.

10. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv Problems specific to adult professional education in Latvia(II)  Adult people’s motivation to learn:  adults who actively participate in learning process, but they have difficulties finding interesting educational programs;  adults who want to get involved, but are hampered by different circumstances - family conditions, financial problems, territorial obstacles;  adults who are not motivated to learn.

11. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv Problems specific to adult professional education in Latvia (III)  Educators’ qualification:  lack of differentiation in teaching;  educators do not integrate competences for lifelong learning in learning process;  practical placement supervisors lack knowledge in pedagogy and psychology.

12. Education center “BUTS” www.buts.lv Address: Latvia, Rīga, Lāčplēša street 125, LV-1003 Telephone: +371 67221736 E-mail: info@buts.lv Home page: www.buts.lv