Täiendõppeasutused

Täiendõppeasutused are institutions that provide continuing education for adults, distinct from initial schooling. They offer programs aimed at upgrading professional skills, acquiring new qualifications, or pursuing personal development outside the formal degree track. These institutions may operate as standalone entities or as units within universities, vocational schools, or private training providers. Their activities fit within lifelong learning policies in Estonia.

They typically offer a range of programs, including short courses, certificate programs, vocational training, language courses, ICT and digital skills, management and entrepreneurship training, health and safety courses, and crafts. Programs can be delivered in various formats, such as evening and weekend classes, intensive short courses, and online or blended learning. Some courses lead to certificates or qualifications within the Estonian Qualifications Framework (Eesti kvalifikatsiooniraamistik), while others provide non-formal learning outcomes like skills demonstrations or micro-credentials.

Participation is generally open to adults with varying levels of prior education; entry requirements differ by program. The goals are to improve employability, support career changes, and enable lifelong learning. In Estonia, continuing education is supported by national education policy, with funding coming from public sources, local government programs, European Union funds, and participant fees, among other mechanisms. Institutions may be public, private, or mixed-funded, and often collaborate with employers and labor market organizations to tailor offerings.

Quality and recognition vary by program, with some being accredited or validated by national authorities. Programs that align with the Estonian Qualifications Framework can contribute to formal qualifications, while many others focus on skill development and professional certification. Täiendõppeasutused thus play a key role in Estonia’s education system by promoting lifelong learning and helping adults adapt to evolving labor market needs.