The processes of the labour market, such as economic restructuring, the growth of the private sector and the development of market relations, have a direct influence on employment and, consequently, on the education needs and opportunities of inhabitants. Continued privatisation and demonopolisation processes have bolstered Lithuania's long-term economic development and the expectations of its market participants for a number of years. However, the process of privatisation is slowing down, as the number of large privatisation deals decreases.

The functioning of the education system, as well as the implementation of the principle of accessibility to education and of equal opportunities in education, has been greatly influenced by social changes of recent years, such as the socio-economic re-stratification caused by the changes in the economic status of different sections of the population. ‘The significance of the qualified labour force in the current education system in Lithuania is very vague: tremendous amounts of money are allocated for re-qualification of the unemployed at the Labour Exchange, while a lifelong learning system operating under competition is emerging very slowly’ (Kuokštis, 2007: 64).

There is some evidence at a European Union (EU) level of a move towards linking welfare benefits to attending vocational training and this element of compulsion introduces a social control dimension to lifelong learning policies. Social security policy is not yet seen as an important driver for lifelong learning measures in Lithuania. It is hoped that this will result in improved provision of lifelong learning for those who are in receipt of social welfare, and will, therefore, combat social exclusion. Many reports and statistical data demonstrate the need to make projections for social support through the education system, to allocate money for preventive programmes and juvenile care, to pursue programmes intended to reduce the idleness of young people, and to develop the system of education support. The education system has been forced to increase its social commitments, although social support is not its direct purpose.

Education system

Structure of the Lithuanian education system

Overview of the Lithuanian education system after the Second World War

Schooling in Lithuania has inherited a Soviet and even partly tsarist Russian structure. Selection and differentiation in the Soviet education system began after an initial period of primary and lower secondary education, lasting eight years from the age of seven to 14.