In secondary education in Latvia, there are two types of programs:
- the overall average (its task – to prepare for further education)
- vocational secondary education program (focused on the professional qualification)
Implement educational programs or schools gymnasium
Secondary education is a full program of general education. High school – may partially implement the programs of basic education (from the seventh grade), necessarily – secondary education, with at least 2-3 of educational programs: the humanities, mathematics, etc.
The task of vocational secondary education in Latvia – to start their professional skills and the opportunity to continue their education at a higher level. Vocational secondary education is offered in vocational schools (arodskola) or vocational secondary schools (arodvidusskola).
Vocational schools offer programs with a duration of up to three years of study. They accept students as having a basic education, and in some cases – with incomplete primary education: students have the opportunity to obtain training in parallel to finish well and of primary education.
In the vocational school can be two levels of professional qualifications. The first level allows the graduate to perform basic work tasks under the control of the master. The second level – independently perform skilled work.
Graduates of these programs have the right to continue their education to obtain a third level of professional qualification or continue their education at equalizing education course of secondary education (lasting one year). Thus, they have the right to continue their education in programs of higher level.
Vocational High School (also called profgimnaziya or college – arodgimnazija vai tehnikums) offers vocational secondary education. Period of training after basic education is 4 years, after receiving vocational training of 1-2 years. These programs are focused on getting the third level qualifications, which allows you to perform such duties as the Executive / employee as the planning and organization of work. At this point, the graduate is able to take responsibility for the allocation of resources and the work of other artists.