BA School of Business and Finance and EY (formerly Ernst & Young) has concluded the first work environment-based learning pilot project in Latvia, within the framework of which students received practical training in the professional environment of EY Latvia for three months in the areas of audit, tax, compliance, and sustainability activities.

The Ministry of Education and Science plans to include learning based on the work environment in study programs in the coming years. The pilot project implemented by BA School of Business and Finance and EY Latvia was the first initiative of its kind in Latvia, which will provide useful experience in creating similar future programs.

"This pilot project is an important step to develop high-level professionals who would have already gained practical experience in a real day-to-day business environment, working together with industry experts, during their studies. Such an approach allows the learning process and theory to be supplemented with the knowledge, skills, and values needed in the professional environment right now, which will later be needed in the changing world of work," says Diāna Krišjāne, EY Partner in the Baltic States.

During the training, students spent one full working day each week for three months, working in the EY Latvia office together with specialists from various fields. In total, at least 20 EY professionals worked with the students, engaging the students in real work tasks and introducing them to the required knowledge and challenges of each field.

"The aim of the pilot project, which we created and implemented together with EY Latvia, was to provide our students with the knowledge and develop practical skills in a company environment. Such an approach gives the student motivation for personal growth and understanding of the activities of companies in the industry. The knowledge gained during the cooperation will be valuable for the further implementation of the project, as well as for other companies and universities, implementing learning based on the work environment. On the other hand, the Ministry of Education and Science will find this experience valuable when preparing the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers," emphasized Dr. Līga Peiseniece, rector of the BA School of Business and Finance.