Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


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6

LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


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6

Level of professional qualification
Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.
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5

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are knowledge, skills and competences acquired during a certain period of learning.

In Latvia, learning outcomes are stipulated by state education standards and occupational standards (for the professional qualifications).

Learning outcomes of higher education are defined by higher education institutions.


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To acquire knowledge in general education courses in natural and social sciences;
– to acquire versatile theoretical knowledge in basic courses of machine science branch and information technologies;
– to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills for independent research activities in the sphere of machine science;
– to be able to apply the acquired skills in machine design and production as well as in the processes of technical supervision, repair, product development and trade;
– to develop research skills, to elaborate and defend course papers, at the final stage – the Bachelor Thesis.

 

Mechanical engineer

  • Knowledge

    1. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of notion:
    1.1. sociology and political science;
    1.2. basics of communication;
    1.3. engineering psychology;
    1.4. management science;
    2. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of understanding:
    2.1. energy economics, business economics;
    2.2. business organization;
    2.3. manufacturing and service organization;
    2.4. market analysis;
    2.5. marketing strategy;
    2.6. engineering work organization and ergonomics;
    2.7. plastic working technologies and equipment;
    2.8. detail orientation and supply facilities;
    2.9. welding technologies and equipment;
    2.10. mechanism analysis and synthesis;
    2.11. ergonomics and design;
    2.12. engineering calculations software in mechanical engineering;
    2.13. basics of precision and safety ;
    2.14. heat processes in technological systems;
    2.15. surface treatment technology and equipment;
    2.16. machine dynamics and fluctuations of the thermal systems;
    2.17. quality management;
    2.18. professional terminology in the official language and at least two foreign languages.
    3. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of use:
    3.1. mathematics;
    3.2. probability theory and mathematical statistics;
    3.3. physics;
    3.4. material science;
    3.5. computer graphics in mechanical engineering;
    3.6. descriptive geometry and engineering;
    3.7. theory of electrical equipment;
    3.8. general metrology;
    3.9. chemical engineering;
    3.10. intellectual property rights and patents;
    3.11. electrotechnics and electronics;
    3.12. material resistance;
    3.13. machinery and apparatus elements;
    3.14. theoretical mechanics;
    3.15. computer aided design in machinery and equipment construction;
    3.16. mobile machines and apparatus;
    3.17. flow mechanics;
    3.18. design basics;
    3.19. CAD / CAM technology;
    3.20. processing theory and processes;
    3.21. electrical automation, pneumatic automation, hydroautomation;
    3.22. robotics – robot control systems;
    3.23. manufacturing automation basics;
    3.24. machinery and apparatus construction technology;
    3.25. engineering equipment, devices and instruments;
    3.26. drive and control of engineering equipment;
    3.27. civil protection, first aid in case of an accident;
    3.28. presentation basics;
    3.29. principles of professional and general ethics;
    3.30. labour protection;
    3.31. environmental protection;
    3.32. legal employment relationship;
    3.33. official language;
    3.34. at least two foreign languages at the communication level.

  • Skills

    1. To understand the stages of design and technology documentation development.
    2. To calculate strength of engines, machines, assemblies and components.
    3. To make a professional analysis of the work task, information processing and alignment of the work task with the technological possibilities of manufacturing.
    4. To comply with the relevant laws and regulations, technical documentation and standards governing the field of machinery when drawing up business documents .
    5. To analyse, assess and use scientific and applied research, utilize information search and selection tools, introduce new technology and design.
    6. To be able to provide trouble-free operation of machinery equipment.
    7. To purposefully use production capacity and organize maintenance thereof.
    8. To be able to select automation elements (hydraulic and pneumatic system components, electrical and optical elements, etc.).
    9. To use computer-aided design and computer-based manufacturing (CAD / CAM) technology for developing a design.
    10. To organize the execution of inter-related work processes rationally.
    11. To design the layout of the production equipment and organize the division of labour among workers.
    12. To participate in the manufacturing project analysis, development, harmonization and management.
    13. To observe the labour protection, fire safety and environmental safety requirements.
    14. To use professional terminology in the official language and at least one foreign language.
    15. To have a good command of the official language.
    16. To have a good command of at least two foreign languages at a communication level.
    17. To establish work priorities, work in a team and plan, organize and manage activities thereof, as well as work individually.
    18. To explain one’s opinion, convince others and deal with conflict situations.
    19. To observe the principles of professional and general ethics.
    20. To improve professional qualification systematically.
    21. To prepare materials for product presentation and present them.
    22. To provide the first aid.
    23. To protect the environment.
    24. To meet the standards of the legal employment relationship.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    1. Ability to draw up calculation schemes and prepare the technical task of system design.
    2. Ability to calculate the dimensions of structures, mechanisms, assemblies and components and select appropriate materials.
    3. Ability to calculate kinematic, dynamic and thermodynamic parameters of mechanisms.
    4. Ability to determine strength and durability characteristics of components.
    5. Ability to deal with issues related to machinery equipment maintenance, diagnosis and repair.
    6. Ability to select alignment dimensions and tolerances to ensure quality and long lasting performance of the equipment.
    7. Ability to determine processing modes and number of machines, plan the sequence of routes and transitions to ensure the technological process.
    8. Ability to design a parts inspection card, select necessary tools and calculate number thereof, determining use and storage conditions thereof to ensure the required product quality.
    9. Ability to analyse the production process, examine the existing analogues and develop alternative constructive and technological solutions of production.
    10. Ability to determine the need for auxiliary equipment and ensure preparation thereof.
    11. Ability to assess the accuracy and stability of technological processes.
    12. Ability to calculate the cost of the designed or manufactured equipment and determine the payback period.
    13. Ability to assess the level of production automation.
    14. Ability to assess most cost-effective technical solutions.
    15. Ability to assess the potential risks of products, plan production quality.
    16. Ability to track the amount of spare parts of machinery equipment and make orders thereof.
    17. Ability to plan work and organize timely execution thereof, organize and manage a unit.
    18. Ability to comply with occupational safety and environmental safety requirements.
    19. Ability to communicate in the official language and at least two foreign languages.
    20. Ability to observe the principles of professional and general ethics.
    21. Ability to identify and understand laws and regulations governing the safety of equipment.
    22. Ability to understand the quality safety and environmental protection systems of the International Standards Organization (ISO).
    23. Ability to meet the standards of the legal employment relationship.

Qualification acquisition requirements

Previous education
Certificate of general secondary education or Diploma of vocational secondary education
Ways to acquire 
Qualifications can be acquired in the framework of education programs or in the evaluation and recognition of non-formal knowledge, skills and competences acquired (in vocational education LKI Levels 2-4).
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Formal (through education programmes)
ECTS credit points 
Snice 11.10.2022 60 credit points correspond to the study results acquired in full-time studies in one academic year in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).Since 11.10.2022

Till 11.10.2022 1 Latvian credit point corresponds to 1,5 ECTS credit point.
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240
Duration of study 
Duration of qualification in full-time studies
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4-5 years

Qualification document

Awarding body

Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


Go to the Glossary section
?

6

LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


Go to the Glossary section
?

6

Level of professional qualification

Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.


Go to the Glossary section
?

5

Qualification field, stage and type

Thematic field (ISCED 2013)
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) developed by UNESCO.
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Engineering and engineering trades (071)

Detailed field: (ISCED 2013)

Mechanics and metal trades (0715)

Education
Stages of Latvian education system included in the LQF:
- basic education
- secondary education
- higher education
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Higher education

Qualification type
ITypes of Latvian education:
-General education
-Professional education
-Academic education
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Vocational

Full or partial

Full qualification

Other information

National Education Information System

National Database of Education Opportunities

Historical qualification

Period for issuing qualification: 2013-2022

Last changes: 15.02.2023

Posted: 07.05.2016