2012

LVM signs cooperation agreement with University of Latvia

JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) has signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Latvia on cooperation in developing higher education and science. Both sides resolve to join efforts in organising and performing activities to ensure comprehensive, complete and quality cooperation in training highly qualified specialists for the forestry sector’s needs.

“It is particularly important to see what will follow,” University of Latvia Rector Mārcis Auziņš emphasised in signing the agreement. “If there are no specific desires and a work plan, agreements can end up in museums. However, this is not the case. JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” is a partner that we have wanted for a long time and I hope that today’s launched cooperation will expand. There are plenty of opportunities, since serious businesses cannot develop without innovations and science. JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” is an important partner for us, providing students with on-the-job training and researchers with opportunities.”

“It took some time before we realised that business competitiveness stems from the education system,” admitted LVM Board Chairman Roberts Strīpnieks. “Unfortunately, there is frequently a rift between business and academic environments. Therefore the time has come to establish cooperation with the University of Latvia. This will not be done for the sake of a check on a check-list, but to assist in the process of education and gain benefits from the university’s developments and findings.”

Foto: Toms Grīnbergs, LU Preses centrs

The sides have agreed to cooperate in matters related to educational content, developing new educational programs and improving the existing ones, using and demonstrating LVM technologies in student training. In terms of student education, this cooperation will be implemented through supporting professional student talent competitions, drafting and publishing topical methodology materials and manuals. During the process of education, LVM specialists will read lectures on the latest developments in forestry, inform about the most advanced technologies and support organising on-the-job training. In launching cooperation within the framework of this agreement, the sides have defined cooperation in the fields matching the specifics of higher education and scientific research at the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of History and Philosophy, the Faculty of Chemistry and the Botanical Gardens of the University of Latvia.

At the moment, there are 173 employees with University of Latvia diplomas at JSC “Latvia’s State Forests”. This year, University of Latvia graduates could vie for 14 out of 30 vacant positions at the company.