First Study Contracts Signed in the New Study Programme Woodworking Technologies
This fall, Malnava College launched a new short-cycle professional higher education programme Woodworking Technologies and the first 10 study contracts have already been signed. The accreditation of the programme was completed in September of this year, and the first group of students has been formed. This is a significant milestone that provides future specialists with the opportunity to gain a modern education and the practical skills needed in the woodworking industry.
The programme was developed in close collaboration with industry companies and organizations to ensure it meets current labour market demands and technological trends. Its implementation was carried out with the support of the European Union’s Recovery Fund as part of the project Strengthening LBTU’s Institutional Capacity for Excellence in Studies and Research (No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/002). Graduates of the programme will obtain the qualification of wood processing technologist, which is designed in accordance with regulatory acts and professional standards.
Duration of study: 2.5 years for full-time study and 3 years for part-time study. The programme structure is modular, ensuring logical and sequential knowledge acquisition. Studies are conducted at LBTU Malnava College, where a specialized learning environment with modern equipment is provided, as well as at companies, enhancing students’ practical experience. In the future, it is planned to supplement the equipment with robotic technologies that will allow to further develop the competencies of students in the field of modern woodworking.
Students have already appreciated the structured approach of the new programme in the first week of studies—the learning process begins with basic topics and progresses step by step toward more complex ones. They have particularly emphasized that the content is practically applicable in real-world production situations.
Programme Director Vilnis Jakovļevs: “The creation of the new study programme is an important milestone for both LBTU Malnava College and the entire industry. We offer students a modern, labour-market-oriented education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in a business environment. I am convinced that this programme will make a significant contribution to the development and competitiveness of Latvia’s woodworking industry.”
Comment from Uldis Misiņš, Chairman of the Board of the company Avoti: “Avoti had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the programme and highly values its importance in preparing human resources to meet the industry’s needs. We are ready to engage in the study process by making our technology available for training, science, and research purposes.”
Currently, a part-time study group has been established, but the winter intake is also expected to include full-time state-funded students.
Activities are taking place within the framework of the project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/002 Strengthening LBTU’s Institutional Capacity for Excellence in Studies and Research. The project’s goal is to implement structural changes at LBTU in order to promote excellence, the quality of higher education and science, the efficiency of resource allocation, and international competitiveness.
