Image development of initial vocational education and training as a prerequisite for the improvement of quality management: insights of staff of vocational education and training

Straipsnyje atskleidžiamas profesinio mokymo įstaigų darbuotojų požiūris į Lietuvos pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdį, išryškinami veiksniai, formuojantys Lietuvos pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdį, ir įvaizdžio gerinimo galimybės kaip kokybės vadybos tobulinimo prielaida. Nustatyta, kad profesinio mokymo įstaigų darbuotojų požiūris į pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdį yra teigiamas, bet šiuo metu susiduria su neigiamu išorinės aplinkos aspektu. Esminiai teigiami pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio veiksniai yra aukšta motyvacija pokyčiams, kokybės kultūros plėtra. Esminiai neigiami pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio veiksniai yra sudėtinga demografinė situacija, nepakankamas profesinio mokymo įstaigų bendradarbiavimas. Pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio gerinimo proceso pagrindu naudojant profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio kokybės gerinimo modelį, sudaromos galimybės užtikrinti tvarią aplinką ir kokybę pirminio profesinio mokymo sistemos atžvilgiu.In today’s context non-material factors acquire increasing significance for successful development of organisation activities. One of the factors is positive image of the organisation. In order to become a modern and attractive learning option that corresponds to the needs of the labour market, vocational education and training system must continuously develop the image of initial vocational education and training. Having considered the factors mentioned the research problem was formulated: what is the image of initial vocational education and training in Lithuania, which factors shape the image of initial vocational education and training in the country, what would determine image development of initial vocational education and training as a prerequisite for the improvement of quality management? The goal of the research: having identified the factors of initial vocational education and training, to foresee image development opportunities as a prerequisite for the improvement of quality management from attitudes of staff. The following methods were used: analysis of scientific literature, interview of the staff of vocational education and training institutions. On the grounds of the research, it can be claimed, that the internal image of initial vocational education and training is positive, however, with a negative aspect. The external image of initial vocational education and training is more positive than negative. The image of initial vocational education and training is influenced by the following positive factors: the quality of education and training services, high-level qualification of teachers at vocational education and training, friendly microclimate in the organisation, the establishment of quality assurance systems in vocational education and training institutions, modern learning environment, openness to the society, high employees’ motivation for change. The tools of the image development of initial vocational education and training are linked with effective activities of vocational education and training institutions in the sphere of promotion, modern education and training content and effective dialogue with employers