Valgamaa Kutseõppekeskus: Competence and innovation, connected to the community

By Malin Norman | Photos: Valgamaa Kutseõppekeskus

The Vocational Education Centre of Valgamaa is a regional competence and innovation hub, closely connected to the local community. It offers hands-on learning, with an open and borderless mindset.

Located just 200 metres from the Latvian border, in the twin town of Valga/Valka, the unique geographic position makes the Vocational Education Centre of Valgamaa (VEC) a true border school, where two cultures meet. The international atmosphere has shaped the school’s identity and created a strong foundation for cooperation with local businesses and international partners.

Cooking students mastering outdoor grilling, with award-winning BBQ chef and teacher Erko Ruukel.

The school’s motto, ‘Comprehensive Skills from a Border School Without Borders’, perfectly captures its spirit: hands-on learning combined with an open and borderless mindset. “Our mission goes beyond teaching professions – it aims to help people improve their social position in society, empowering both young people and adults to build meaningful careers close to home,” says director Margus Ojaots.

Founded in 2002, the Estonian school has grown together with its community and local industries. Modern workshops, real-life practice opportunities, and close ties with employers make studies practical and relevant.

The woodworking students’ final projects on display.

Cooperation and multidisciplinary learning

The strength of VEC is its diversity and practical approach. The school offers a wide range of study fields, from catering and hospitality to automotive technology, healthcare and technical trades. All these areas are united within a compact, well-functioning campus that encourages cooperation and multidisciplinary learning.

One of the prides of the school is undoubtedly its culinary programme, which has gained national recognition. Chef and culinary teacher Erko Ruukel, together with students, has won several awards, proving that vocational students can compete at a professional level. “All our staff and students know that great food is not only about technique, but also about passion and creativity,” smiles Ojaots.

Another strong area is automotive technology, where the school has invested in up-to-date diagnostic tools and modern training equipment. Here, students receive a comprehensive education covering mechanics, electronics, and diagnostics. The school also emphasises the training of care workers, a profession of growing social importance, preparing skilled and compassionate people who make a real difference.

Students can choose from programmes such as cook, motor vehicle technician, carpenter, care worker, and logistics and warehouse management. For those starting without basic education, the school also provides hands-on vocational options like kitchen assistant, woodworker, assistant cook, and tyre and surface maintenance technician.

This is also the only vocational school in Estonia to offer an English programme, currently in the field of logistics. Beyond traditional education, VEC also provides adult training, seminars, and conferences, as well as accommodation and catering services, which makes the school much more than just a place to study.

Culinary students presenting their creations.

New drone tech training and hacking ideas

The next year marks an exciting new chapter for VEC, as it launches drone technology training. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the school will offer students the chance to learn how to use drones across various sectors such as engineering, agriculture, mapping, and creative industries. “It’s a perfect example of how our school constantly evolves and embraces future-oriented skills,” reflects the director.

The centre also has a growing international dimension. For instance, recently it hosted representatives from colleges in Armenia to exchange ideas and explore potential cooperation. These partnerships demonstrate that even a small regional school can have a wide and meaningful international reach.

At the same time, the school is also playing an active role in cross-border cooperation through the Interreg Estonia–Latvia project Hack the Border. The project brings together Estonian and Latvian youth aged 15–20 to discuss issues that matter to their shared hometown and to co-create solutions for the better Valga/Valka. The leading partner of the project is Garage48, which has organised hackathons and promoted a Silicon Valley mindset in Estonia and abroad for 15 years.

“This is not just about hacking ideas, but about strengthening the ties of two communities and helping young people gain new knowledge, confidence and skills,” adds Ojaots. “They learn how to develop and pitch ideas, improve communication and teamwork, and practice foreign languages in a real environment. They also meet inspiring entrepreneurs and experts who share stories and professional experiences.”

VEC continues to work closely with local businesses and municipalities to ensure that students gain practical experience and job opportunities during their studies. The school’s virtual tour and active presence in community events showcase its facilities and invite future learners to discover the opportunities waiting in Valga/Valka, a border town full of character and potential.