On 14 May 2026, the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union (LESTU) Congress took place in Vilnius, bringing together nearly 500 delegates from across Lithuania. This year’s event focused on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the future of education, highlighting the importance of innovation, professional development, and lifelong learning.
Among the initiatives presented during the Congress was the Erasmus+ RESCALE project, which aims to strengthen cooperation between education providers and labour market actors to support adult reskilling across Europe.
As part of the project, LESTU launched the RESCALE Reskilling Lab “From Workers’ Rights to Professional Growth in Education” in Marijampolė in March 2026. The Lab is one of seven pilot Reskilling Labs established across Europe and serves as an innovative platform for supporting adult learners in developing new skills and career opportunities.
The Marijampolė Lab focuses on early childhood education assistants and provides a free 40-hour training programme combining digital literacy, career guidance, child development, and inclusive education. Through practical learning activities, mentoring, and coaching support, participants strengthen both their professional competencies and confidence in the workplace.
The initiative addresses skills gaps among low-qualified adult learners while contributing to the quality of support provided in early childhood education settings. By combining workers’ rights, professional development, and lifelong learning, the Lab offers a practical example of how reskilling initiatives can respond to changing labour market needs.
The presentation of the RESCALE Lab during the Congress highlighted the value of investing in people and creating accessible learning opportunities throughout working life. It also demonstrated how European cooperation can support innovative solutions that benefit learners, employers, and local communities alike.
Through its involvement in RESCALE, LESTU continues to promote lifelong learning, workforce development, and social innovation, helping education professionals adapt to change and build a more resilient future.
