International trainings as a method of deepening skills by teachers of vocational courses from the catering industry case study of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse the role of international trainings for teachers of vocational courses from the catering industry. The hypothesis presented in the article is: international training has an impact on the improvement of skills of vocational teachers. This study was prepared on the basis of a survey conducted on a sample of 40 teachers representing vocational schools with a gastronomic profile from Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. The conclusions from the research confirm that the teaching staff clearly needs training that would allow them to expand their theoretical knowledge, practical skills and social competences. Teachers of vocational courses pointed out that the basic motivation for participation in the training is the necessity to raise professional competences in the context of the core curriculum of vocational schools with a gastronomic profile. In addition, training in an international group allows them to get to know the specificity of the work culture and practices used in different countries. It should be added that the research confirmed that after the international training, according to teachers, there was a significant increase in their professional skills. This has a measurable impact on the later work with pupils at school.