Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre (PVEC) is an innovative vocational training centre, situated in the South-West of Estonia, in Pärnu. Created in February 2003, by uniting three vocational schools of the region: Pärnu Vocational, Sindi Industrial and Tihemetsa Agricultural centres. The mission of the organisation is “In close cooperation with employers provide competitive vocational competence, knowledge and skills for working life and further studies.” PVEC is open to cooperation at every level, and the organisation's vision is to have a high reputation as a school with an acknowledged learning environment, training professionals who are competitive both at local and international labour markets.
According to the structure of the organisation, PVEC has two study departments: Technical Department and Service and Management Department. Both departments have a great variety of curriculums. They are engaging with lifelong learning and vocational education based on middle- or high school education. In some of the specialities, it is possible to study without any previous education requirement. Also, we are enabled to acquire some vocational education specialities in session learning.
Besides vocational studies for the students, the school has an Adult Education Service which offers a wide range of courses to adult learners. One of PVEC priorities is to develop and encourage lifelong learning. In cooperation with the local companies, the school provides short or long term courses for the employees of the companies?
PVEC is a well-known provider of formal and informal education. The school pays attention to students with special educational needs. They get support from educational specialists/ study advisors and career counsellor; in some cases, the individual curriculum is going to be implemented. As students with special educational needs do not have other options to study in the area, the organisation supports their studies as much as possible.
The school has 140 employees, about 1100 students and 2000 adult learners attend different courses yearly. The unique feature of PVEC is the compact school campus, including five buildings in a nature-friendly environment. In addition to that, the school has a dormitory with 180 beds. The facilities of this campus are continuously renovated.
PVEC has been a promoter, a coordinator and a partner in various local and international projects. For example, Erasmus+ KA1 and KA2 projects, Leonardo da Vinci, Nordplus, European Social Fund (ESF, ERDF) and Interregional projects. The organisation has been awarded by the Erasmus+ VET Mobility Charter.
SPECIALITIES BASED ON BASIC EDUCATION:
IT junior system specialist;
Electrician;
Electronics assembly technician;
Welder;
Welder-Assembler-CNC machine operator;
Car technician;
Joiner;
Carpenter;
Finishing work at construction;
Mason- concrete worker;
The technology of bakery and pastry-Cook;
Chef;
Catering service;
Tourism service;
Warehouse worker;
Shop assistant;
Trade.
SPECIALITIES BASED ON SECONDARY EDUCATION:
Tailor;
ICT Security Specialist;
Pastry-cook;
Hairdresser;
Beautician;
Sales organiser;
Accountant;
Secretary;
Business management specialist;
Small business entrepreneur;
Care worker;
Activity coordinator.
SPECIALITIES WITH NO EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Log house builder;
Assistant cook.
WORK-BASED LEARNING:
Welder;
Spa therapist;
Waiter;
Gardener’s assistant;
Arborist.
