“Talent in these fields is vital for businesses in Lithuania’s regions, which create value-added jobs and invest in the country’s economy. To ensure the development of talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we have awarded, for several years, targeted scholarships to highly qualified future employees needed by business. Since the beginning of this initiative, we have already distributed 1,017 scholarships,” said Minister of the Economy and Innovation A. Armonaitė.
According to the Minister, the transformation of industry, the development of Industry 4.0, depends on the availability of STEM professionals in the region, while companies in all regions of the country are facing a catastrophic shortage of employees in STEM fields. However, engineering studies are not popular, even though they are in high demand on the labour market. EIMIN’s targeted scholarships are becoming an important tool to contribute to the synergy between higher education, studies, and business.
The €200 scholarships from the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation are available during all four years of bachelor studies.
“The added value of targeted scholarships is the motivation to choose and pursue challenging STEM studies. In addition, targeted scholarships are awarded to students studying at higher education institutions that ensure that future highly qualified employees are able to cooperate with the business community and later integrate into the labour market. In this way, all parties are committed to creating professional links in the counties where successful businesses are being established, thus securing well-paid jobs,” says Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
This year, €200 scholarships were awarded to those who chose to study at nine higher education institutions: Alytus University of Applied Sciences (Alytus), Klaipėda University (Klaipėda), Klaipeda State University of Applied Sciences (Klaipėda), Lithuanian Maritime Academy (Klaipėda), Marijampolė Higher Education Institution (Marijampolė), Panevėžys University of Applied Sciences (Panevėžys), Vilnius University (Vilnius), Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences (Šiauliai), Utena University of Applied Sciences (Utena).
