Historical day: the first group of the graduates completed vocational training at the Customs Training Centre and took an oath
On 25 July, the oath was taken by the first group of vocational training at the Customs Training Centre – 19 graduates took an oath who had a specific ambition to become customs officers since the beginning of this year.
This group is a special one, as they are the first officers who completed vocational training at the Customs Training Centre, which has become a statutory vocational training establishment.
The graduates taking the career path came from various parts of Lithuania – from Vilnius and Klaipėda to Šilutė, Pakruojis, Kybartai and Šalčininkai districts. They all have successfully completed the training, just the same number as commenced the training and took the first oath on 13 January this year.
During the training, they learned about the main aspects of customs activities, i.e. customs controls, declaration clearance, applicable prohibitions and restrictions, taxes, determination of the origin and value of goods, as well as the principles of administrative responsibility. 70% of the training programme focused on practical skills such as real-life checks of vehicles, simulation of scenarios for goods inspection and declaration clearance. The graduates also developed key competences such as teamwork, responsibility and professional ethics.
The new officers have already chosen the territorial customs offices where they will start their service, most of them will work at Vilnius territorial customs office, as well as Kaunas and Klaipėda territorial customs offices.
Congratulations and greetings were heard during the ceremony, and the speeches repeatedly emphasized the historical and symbolic significance of the day.
“You have chosen a responsible service to protect the interests of the State, to ensure a fair trade and to contribute to a safer society. This is especially important in these difficult times, when the changing geopolitical situation continues to pose significantly more challenges than thus far for Lithuania and, at the same time, for customs officers. But I believe we will get together to overcome these challenges," Vice-Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said in his welcome speech.
Welcoming the graduates.
Deputy Director General of the Customs Department Vygantas Paigozinas reminded that the service was not just a job, it was a mission that required responsibility, vigilance and humanity.
“I am convinced that your generation will bring new energy, new attitude and will contribute to the Lithuanian Customs remaining a strong, modern institution worthy of public trust”, V. Paigozinas said.
Director of the Customs Training Centre Ieva Vizgirdienė also gave an inspiring speech:
“Today we are all writing history together. You are the first. You are the ones who opened the door to all other groups after you. You became a model. Your determination, discipline, courage and will are already shining like a guiding star for those who are just on this way”, she said.
The Customs Training Centre plans to continue organising vocational training programmes, and the second group of graduates will be launched in the near future.
Last updated: 30-07-2025
Related news:
Minister of Finance: A historic turning point in ILTE activities
Collection of revenue to the State budget and municipal budgets in January-June
The formation of the political team of the Ministry of Finance has been completed
Defence bonds were distributed for EUR 31.3 million across recent issues