According to the president, it is necessary to introduce reforms in vocational education urgently and to develop new forms of learning in vocational schools such as modular training, apprenticeship, giving more time for practice in companies.
The president also emphasized that it was very important to strengthen cooperation between education institutions and business. A closer dialogue between vocational, higher schools and business would encourage modernization of Lithuanian economy, improve the quality of studies and reduce youth unemployment, which still remains among the burning issues of the country.
President Grybauskaite and Minister Pavalkis discussed most important future tasks for the Ministry of Education and Science. They discussed the implementation of the Programme for Development of Studies and R&D for 2013-2020, improvements in vocational education programmes, and strengthening of cooperation between research and business.
"The main task of Lithuania's education system is to educate a creative, innovative, critical, patriotic Lithuanian citizen. It is of utmost importance for the future of our state, its well-being and security," said the president.
