Kutsekoolid

Kutsekoolid are Estonian institutions that provide vocational education and training (VET). They focus on developing practical skills for specific trades and occupations, serving as an alternative to academic upper secondary schools for students who prefer direct preparation for the workforce. Kutsekoolid form part of the national education system and work in close cooperation with employers to ensure that training matches labor market needs.

Programs and qualifications in kutsekoolid typically combine school-based learning with work-based training. Courses lead to a vocational qualification (kutsekvalifikatsioon) within the Estonian Qualifications Framework, and some programs also confer a vocational secondary education certificate (kutsekeskharidus). National standards and qualifications are overseen by the Estonian Qualifications Authority (EKKA). The curricula aim to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the labor market, while some pathways allow further study at higher education institutions.

Access to kutsekoolid usually follows the completion of basic education, and admission criteria can vary by institution and program. Outcomes include skilled trades, technical professions, and service sector specialties, with many graduates finding employment in their field. In some cases, graduates may pursue further studies or bridging programs that facilitate progression to higher education.

Organization and funding vary: kutsekoolid can be state, municipal, or private institutions. They are funded by public authorities, with tuition policies differing by provider and student status. The vocational education system in Estonia has evolved since the 1990s, aligning with European VET standards to emphasize practical skills, labor market relevance, and qualification recognition.