Recent developments and challenges of the introduction of dual training for SMEs in countries around the Baltic Sea Region with a special emphasis on Lithuania

The economy of the Baltic Sea Region is characterised by small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the main limitations to growth continues to be the lack of qualified personnel. Dual training as a form of work-based learning can promote the employability of young people in the long term and attract additional workforce. Based on a review of recent literature the status of VET and dual training in the selected countries of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia are described. Complementary the first results of a recent survey of companies, schools and administrations is presented, that confirms that in most BSR countries companies are not engaged in dual education. The evaluation of the literature clearly shows that a lot has been done to encourage work-based learning in the Baltic Sea Region, but the survey indicates, that the legal changes and possibilities have yet not fully arrived at the companies that could provide train-ing spots.