QUALIFICATION PRACTICES IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF LATVIA: THE SITUATION OF PERSPECTIVES OF DEVELOPMENT

Qualification practice is an essential and obligatory component of higher education programs of the Republic of Latvia, one of pre-conditions to obtain a professional qualification, as well as professional skills. However, till now, the regulation of qualification praxes and implementation mechanisms are unsatisfactory that usually makes obstacles to reach the target of qualification practice, reduces the efficiency of component of this education, respectively influencing common quality of education and potential possibilities of students in the work market. It must be accentuate that the target of qualification practice is the acquisition of professional skills and basic knowledge in connection with a profession out of the respective higher education institution for targets of practice in a respective environment. Licensing, but later accrediting the study program of higher education, the description of qualification practice, coordinated with the employer must be included as a demand. Before the start of qualification practice, to organize obligatory an introduction seminar for managers (mentors) of qualification practices on the specification of specialty chosen by practicant, tasks, targets, content, evaluation criteria of qualification practice; An active co-participation of professional unions must be obtained in the development of standards and in the implementation mechanism of qualification practice, understanding that practicants are next professionals of the area and their qualification is one of pre-conditions of existence and development of the area.