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

Straipsnyje atskleidžiamas profesinio mokymo įstaigų mokinių požiūris į Lietuvos pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdį, išryškinami veiksniai, formuojantys Lietuvos pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdį, bei įvaizdžio gerinimo galimybės kaip kokybės vadybos tobulinimo prielaida. Nustatyta, kad mokinių požiūriu vidinis pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdis yra teigiamas, tačiau su neigiamu aspektu. Išorinis pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdis yra labiau teigiamas nei neigiamas. Pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio gerinimą lemia tiek teigiami, tiek neigiami veiksniai. Pirminio profesinio mokymo įvaizdžio gerinimo priemonės yra susijusios su efektyvia profesinio mokymo įstaigų veikla viešinimo srityje, moderniu mokymo turiniu bei efektyviu dialogu su darbdaviais.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 research objective: having identified the factors of initial vocational education and training, to foresee image development opportunities as a prerequisite for the improvement of quality management. To realise the research objective and goals the following methods were used: scientific literature, documents that regulate education analysis, written survey of the students 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