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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Knowledge:  
– ability to demonstrate basic and specialised knowledge characteristic of the science of manufacturing engineering and the profession of mechanical engineer and critical understanding of this knowledge, in addition, a part of this knowledge is on the level of the latest achievements of the respective field of science or profession;
– ability to demonstrate comprehension of the most crucial notions and regularities of the science of manufacturing engineering and professional sphere.    

Skills (ability to apply knowledge, communication, general skills), graduates are able:  
– to use the mastered theoretical basis and skills of mechanical engineer;   
– to carry out professional innovation or research activity;  
– to formulate and analytically describe information, problems and solutions in the sector of science of manufacturing engineering and profession of mechanical engineer;   
– to explain and argue on the above mentioned topics both with specialists and laymen;   
– to structure independently his/her studying, lead further learning and professional improvement of himself/herself and his/her subordinates;    
– to demonstrate scientific approach to problem solution;   
– to take responsibility and initiative, carrying out work individually, in team or leading work of other people;   
– to make decisions and find creative solutions under changing or unclear conditions.   

Competencies (analyses, synthesis and evaluation), graduates are able:   
– to independently acquire, select and analyse information on manufacturing engineering and use it, make decisions and resolve problems in the sector of the science of manufacturing engineering and profession of mechanical engineer,
– to demonstrate understanding of professional ethics, to evaluate the effect of their professional activity on the environment and society and to take part in the development of the respective professional field.   

 

Mechanical engineer

  • Knowledge

    Professional knowledge
    At the comprehension level:
    1. Operating principles and technical parameters of mechanical equipment.
    2. Possibilities and potential risks of information technologies.
    3. Description of the technical task.
    4. Mechanical properties of materials.
    5. Development of equipment diagrams.
    6. Material strength theory and mechanical stress.
    7. Linear measurement metrology.
    8. Methodology for calculating fits and tolerances.
    9. Manufacturing methods.
    10. Diagrams for locating parts.
    11. Methodology for the optimisation of manufacturing modes.
    12. Structure of equipment.
    13. Calculations of dimension chains.
    14. Metalworking factories.
    15. Basic principles of the construction of engineering systems.
    16. Technological solutions for the manufacturing process.
    17. Fundamentals of ergonomics.
    18. Possibilities of technologies.
    19. Types of measuring devices.
    20. Methods of inspecting measuring devices.
    21. Types of verification of measuring devices.
    22. Control of parameters.
    23. Influence of precision of technological equipment elements on processing errors.
    24. Analysis of measurements.
    25. Structure and operation of mechanical equipment.
    26. Impact of the external factors in the operation of equipment.
    27. Classification of materials used in manufacturing.
    28. Mechanical properties of materials.
    29. Sets of tools and auxiliary devices.
    30. Types of tools and their capabilities.
    31. Drawing up of repair reports.
    32. Fundamental principles of logistics.
    33. Organisation of manufacturing.
    34. Industrial pollution categories.
    35. Maintenance of mechanical equipment.
    36. Production economy.
    37. Management.
    38. Manufacturing methods and organisational forms.
    39. Production economy.
    40. Methodology and sequence of equipment design.
    41. Production economy.
    At the application level:
    1. Computer-aided design and engineering manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.
    2. Machine safety, declaration of conformity.
    3. Methodology for preparing the technical task.
    4. Computer-aided engineering (CAD/CAE) technologies and software.
    5. Methodology for calculating the operating parameters of mechanisms.
    6. Methodology for calculating the strength and durability indicators.
    7. Fundamental accuracy and safety requirements.
    8. Technologies for processing standardised parts.
    9. Batch processing.
    10. Use of machine-tools for various manufacturing methods.
    11. Use of auxiliary devices.
    12. Methodology for calculating the operating modes.
    13. Processing economy.
    14. Types and use of cutting tools.
    15. Methods for ensuring the assembly accuracy.
    16. Sequence of assembling equipment units.
    17. System of technological documents.
    18. Methods for developing technological operation charts.
    19. Manufacturing methods and organisational forms.
    20. Types and options of manufacturing sector layouts.
    21. Efficiency assessment methodology.
    22. Design and manufacturing of auxiliary devices.
    23. Technical measurements.
    24. Tolerances and fits.
    25. Accuracy of measuring devices.
    26. Structure of measuring devices and operating instructions.
    27. Methodology for the calibration of measuring devices.
    28. Measurement methods.
    29. Use of statistical methods in measurements.
    30. Changes of technological processes.
    31. Reliability of measurement results.
    32. Calculation of measurement uncertainty.
    33. Process optimisation.
    34. Technical measurements.
    35. Techniques of installing mechanical equipment.
    36. Methodologies for the diagnostics and repair of mechanical equipment and systems.
    37. Properties of materials used in manufacturing.
    38. Use of materials in equipment units.
    39. Equipment repair technologies.
    40. Repair techniques.
    41. Techniques for the diagnostics of equipment.
    42. Technologies for the diagnostics and repair of mechanical equipment and systems.
    43. Use of diagnostic tools.
    44. Technical documentation.
    45. Rules on machinery safety and electrical safety of equipment.
    46. Laws and regulations on occupational safety, fire safety, and environmental protection.
    47. Measures for preventing work environment risk factors and environment risk factors.
    48. Provision of first aid.
    49. Principles of cooperating with operational services.
    50. Team management.
    51. Decision-making.
    52. LEAN and similar manufacturing systems.
    53. Preparation of documentation in accordance with the requirements of field-specific standards.
    54. Sequence of mechanical processing and assembly operations.
    55. Methods for calculating the prime cost and profit.
    56. Methodology for developing cost estimates.
    57. Methods for calculating the prime cost and profit.
    58. Methods for calculating the prime cost and profit.
    59. Industrial information networks.
    60. CAD/CAM/CAE and other PLM (product lifecycle management) technologies.
    61. Networking of CNC machine-tools.
    General knowledge
    At the comprehension level:
    1. Fundamentals of standardisation.
    2. Structure and adjustment of computers and computer systems.
    3. Digital environment, risks and threats in the digital environment.
    4. Protection of intellectual property.
    5. Possibilities and potential risks of the Internet when using ICT.
    6. Fundamentals of patenting.
    7. Effective communication techniques.
    8. Self-assessment mechanisms.
    9. Planning and adoption of decisions.
    10. Collaboration methods.
    11. Social and political structure of society.
    12. Social diversity and the principle of equality.
    13. Intercultural interaction.
    14. Requirements of laws and regulations, and standards governing the field.
    15. Basics of intercultural communication.
    16. Basic principles of communication.
    At the application level:
    1. Laws and regulations, technical documentation, and standards to be complied with performing work.
    2. Fundamentals and theories of natural sciences, engineering, and technologies.
    3. Fundamentals of mathematical analysis, trigonometry, linear algebra, analytical geometry, and statistics.
    4. Methods of data processing, analysis, and collection.
    5. Software.
    6. Digital tools and technologies.
    7. Means of digital communication.
    8. Data security.
    9. Implementation of innovations. Research methods.
    10. Fundamentals of statistics.
    11. Methods of data processing, analysis, and collection.
    12. Argumentation techniques.
    13. Presentation skills.
    14. Preparation of reports and publications.
    15. Professional terminology.
    16. Information and communication technologies.
    17. Planning of education, career, and progress of work.
    18. Personal development and lifelong learning.
    19. Time planning techniques.
    20. Management skills.
    21. Project management.
    22. Professional ethics.
    23. Professional ethics.
    24. Norms of employment relationship.
    25. Laws and regulations on civil defence.
    26. Extensive and appropriate vocabulary.
    27. Professional terminology in the official language and two foreign languages.

  • Skills

    Professional skills and attitudes
    1. To perform systematic search and research of information based on defined technical parameters of equipment.
    2. To perform a comparative analysis of mechanical equipment.
    3. To use information and communication technologies.
    4. To develop descriptions of equipment functions.
    5. To define parameters, safety and security requirements, and rules for the technological effectiveness of manufacturing and repairs.
    6. To use information and communication technologies.
    7. To develop calculation schemes.
    8. To select calculation methodology, materials required for equipment, and their parameters.
    9. To define the sequence of calculations.
    10. To develop the relevant schemes by assessing their conformity with the technical task requirements.
    11. To determine the type of loading on a part.
    12. To select the strength indicators.
    13. To identify the correlation between dimensions and tolerances and calculate errors in the placement of components.
    14. To assess the quality of equipment parts.
    15. To select methods for the manufacturing of parts.
    16. To determine the sequence of processing parts.
    17. To select the technological equipment.
    18. To evaluate the accuracy and technological capabilities of ma chine tools.
    19. To analyse the parameters and advantages of the constructions of auxiliary devices.
    20. To evaluate the available auxiliary devices.
    21. To select processing modes according to equipment parameters.
    22. To optimise processing modes.
    23. To calculate processing modes according to equipment parameters.
    24. To develop technological routes for equipment assembly.
    25. To assess the compatibility of the units of the manufactured equipment.
    26. To create an assembly diagram.
    27. To develop the route for processing the surface of parts and the general processing route.
    28. To divide processing operations into manufacturing sectors.
    29. To develop technological operation charts.
    30. To arrange manufacturing equipment in the sequence of technological operations.
    31. To plan the layout of engineering systems.
    32. To perform a comparative analysis of alternative solutions.
    33. To assess the manufacturing efficiency of alternative solutions.
    34. To develop the structure of auxiliary devices.
    35. To develop technology for manufacturing auxiliary devices.
    36. To analyse the conformity of products with the requirements of standards.
    37. To assess the accuracy of the parameters of parts.
    38. To prepare reports, publications, and presentations.
    39. To use information and communication technologies.
    40. To conduct an inspection of measuring devices.
    41. To maintain the system of the inventory of measuring devices at the company.
    42. To inspect and calibrate measuring instruments.
    43. To monitor the geometry of the processed parts.
    44. To compare the measurements with manufacturing specifications.
    45. To assess the parameters according to the technical task.
    46. To compile measurement results.
    47. To analyse measurement results.
    48. To prepare reviews of the analysed measuring results.
    49. To use the results to improve the technological processes.
    50. To determine the reliability of the measurement process quantitatively.
    51. To modify or adjust the measurement process for its optimisation.
    52. To identify the diagnostics parameters.
    53. To measure the diagnostics parameters.
    54. To measure the equipment units.
    55. To compare the results with the standard or manufacturer’s manual.
    56. To organise the equipment maintenance in a targeted manner.
    57. To systematically identify and rectify equipment damages.
    58. To evaluate the properties of auxiliary materials.
    59. To apply servicing materials.
    60. To prepare a list of materials.
    61. To define the quantity of required materials.
    62. To evaluate the instruments and tools required for equipment repair.
    63. To apply equipment repair and improvement tools.
    64. To prepare the instruments required for equipment improvement and repair.
    65. To select specific instruments by using catalogues.
    66. To analyse diagnostics results.
    67. To compile repair results.
    68. To develop lists of available equipment.
    69. To plan the frequency of diagnostics and repairs.
    70. To make changes in maintenance schedules.
    71. To determine the service life of equipment components.
    72. To develop a plan for the procurement of the required spare parts.
    73. To organise the functional distribution of work.
    74. To organise, plan, and monitor the teamwork.
    75. To organise inspections of mechanical equipment to verify its compliance with the electrical safety requirements.
    76. To ensure the compliance with the occupational safety and environmental protection requirements to implement the technical processes.
    77. To comply with the requirements of field-specific standards.
    78. To plan the technological operations according to the manufacturing sectors.
    79. To independently organise the timely execution of work.
    80. To select the actuators required for mechanical equipment.
    81. To select the most cost-effective technological process.
    82. To evaluate the equipment design costs.
    83. To calculate the manufacturing costs.
    84. To develop cost estimates.
    85. To determine equipment productivity and compare it to the technical calculation.
    86. To compare the actual costs with the cost estimate.
    87. To calculate the payback period.
    88. To prepare information on the technological process of smart manufacturing.
    89. To inform the relevant employees about the technological process of smart manufacturing.
    90. To organise the implementation of smart manufacturing technology.
    General skills and attitudes
    1. To understand the requirements of the laws and regulations governing the field.
    2. To comply with the necessary governing laws and regulations to solve an issue.
    3. To comply with the field-specific standards.
    4. To use the mathematical logics when carrying out the professional duties.
    5. To use mathematical methods and functions in performing engineering calculations and presenting work results.
    6. To seek for creative solutions for the development of technological processes.
    7. To apply laws and theories of natural sciences in designing and operating mechatronic systems.
    8. To acquire the information required for the development or modernisation of equipment, using modern information technology.
    9. To use various methods for solving technical problems and adapting digital tools to meet technical needs, including by providing assistance to others.
    10. To use digital tools and software to perform the professional duties.
    11. To summarise, systematise, and analyse the data.
    12. To process information, selecting the most suitable solution.
    13. To perform the critical analysis of the obtained data by explaining the results and conclusions in a well-argued manner.
    14. To integrate the knowledge from various fields for the creation of new knowledge and new products.
    15. To prepare a review of research results.
    16. To prepare presentation materials and publications.
    17. To provide well-reasoned arguments for own opinion.
    18. To reflect on and critically evaluate own knowledge, skills, and motivation.
    19. To assess own professional experience.
    20. To understand the learning needs for career growth.
    21. To systematically acquire new knowledge and experience.
    22. To keep up with the latest developments in manufacturing sectors.
    23. To use the acquired knowledge in practice.
    24. To promote the professional development of subordinates. To present work results in both the professional environment and society.
    25. To plan and organise own work, take decisions based on the changes in the situation, solve problem situations, and be able to express own opinion.
    26. To organise the training of employees on professional matters.
    27. To adhere to the principles of professional and general ethics.
    28. To be tolerant of different opinions and reach a compromise.
    29. To manage stress in the social communication process.
    30. To use critical and creative thinking.
    31. To observe the norms of employment relationship.
    32. To identify the potential risks when completing work tasks.
    33. To comply with the requirements of laws and regulations on civil defence.
    34. To inform the employees about the implementation of the civil defence plan approved by the company.
    35. To communicate orally and in writing and to clarify the opinion in a well-argued manner when solving work tasks in various professional situations and environments.
    36. To use the professional terminology in the official language and two foreign languages.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    Professional competences
    1. Ability to study and analyse the offerings of similar products available in the market.
    2. Ability to prepare the technical task for equipment design.
    3. Ability to make engineering calculations and assess the suitability of materials.
    4. Ability to calculate the operating parameters of mechanisms.
    5. Ability to calculate the strength indicators of parts and analyse the obtained results.
    6. Ability to create calculation diagrams related to fits and accuracy.
    7. Ability to develop technologies for manufacturing parts.
    8. Ability to identify and select the appropriate auxiliary devices.
    9. Ability to identify the technologically feasible and cost-effective processing modes.
    10. Ability to independently plan the technological process of equipment assembly.
    11. Ability to develop and draw up technological operation charts.
    12. Ability to plan the layout of equipment according to the manufacturing process.
    13. Ability to develop alternative technological manufacturing solutions and anticipate their efficiency.
    14. Ability to ensure the design and manufacturing of special auxiliary devices.
    15. Ability to assess the accuracy of the processing process.
    16. Ability to manage the measuring instrument inventory system of the company.
    17. Ability to evaluate the parameters of parts.
    18. Ability to evaluate measurement results.
    19. Ability to make changes of technological processes based on measurement results.
    20. Ability to evaluate measurement results and their reliability.
    21. Ability to optimise measuring processes.
    22. Ability to detect operational errors in mechanical equipment.
    23. Ability to plan the servicing, diagnostics, and repair of mechanical equipment.
    24. Ability to select the appropriate materials based on their suitability for equipment to be serviced.
    25. Ability to accurately determine the instruments required for the equipment improvement and repairs.
    26. Ability to independently prepare reports on diagnostics and repairs.
    27. Ability to anticipate the quantity of spare parts required for mechanical equipment.
    28. Ability to manage the technical processes at the company in accordance with the requirements of standards.
    29. Ability to manage the technical processes at the company in accordance with the occupational safety, fire safety, and environmental protection requirements.
    30. Ability to organise, plan, and monitor the implementation of technical processes at the company.
    31. Ability to plan the allocation of technological operations to the manufacturing sectors and organise their timely performance.
    32. Ability to evaluate the most cost-efficient technical solutions.
    33. Ability to prepare estimates of equipment design and manufacturing costs.
    34. Ability to determine the payback time of manufacturing equipment.
    35. Ability to organise the smart manufacturing.
    General competences
    1. Ability understand and comply with the requirements of the laws and regulations governing the field.
    2. Ability to perform work tasks in compliance with standards and other requirements.
    3. Ability to apply mathematical, natural science, engineering, and technological competences in own professional activity.
    4. Ability to safely use information technologies in the relevant field of professional activity.
    5. Ability to conduct research with added value while integrating the knowledge from various fields and contributing to the creation of new knowledge.
    6. Ability to prepare reviews and publications on research results.
    7. Ability to present research results.
    8. Ability to organise oneself, continue learning and self-education in the professional field by assuming responsibility, and develop personal competences.
    9. Ability to constantly keep up with the news in the sector and the use of new technologies.
    10. Ability to initiate and manage organisational change processes.
    11. Ability to cooperate and express own opinion in a well-argued manner.
    12. Ability to plan and organise own work, take decisions based on the changes in the situation, solve problem situations.
    13. Ability to adhere to the basic principles of professional and general ethics and generally accepted codes of conduct.
    14. Ability to ensure the compliance with the norms of employment relationship when performing the professional duties.
    15. Ability to ensure the implementation of the civil defence plan approved by the company.
    16. Ability to freely communicate, write, read, work, and speak in the official language and two foreign languages while understanding and using professional terminology.

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 years

Qualification document

Awarding body

Higher education institution:

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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
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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).


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
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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

Sector Qualifications Structure: Metalworking, mechanical engineering and mechanical sciences sector (including mechanics)


Link to the descriptions of the Sector Qualifications Structure levels

Other information

National Education Information System

National Database of Education Opportunities

Active qualification

Period for issuing qualification: 2013-2028

Last changes: 08.02.2023

Posted: 07.05.2016