Vocational Education with a Finnish touch

Abstract

The significance of education is recognised in many societies, as it brings hope and vision for people’s future. Education is fundamental for developing society and assimilating persons into a cohesive living environment. It develops the world of work, brings new ideas for business life and has a positive influence on the economy.

This publication, Vocational Education with a Finnish Touch, concentrates on vocational education and training (VET) in Finland. It sheds light on the historical development of vocational education in Finland, the habits and role of VET in modern-day Finland and certain aspects concerning the future. Vocational education and training is a versatile phenomenon. It encompasses practical education for vocational skills in secondary school education, upper secondary education and apprenticeship education, as well as various types of adult education and tertiary education. In this publication, the focus is on initial upper secondary level education. There is, however, not always a clear division between the education of young students or adults. Also, initial vocational education supports tertiary technical education (universities of applied sciences).

The purpose of this publication is to fill the void of information available internationally regarding vocational education and training in Finland. Also, there has been increased interest in developing VET in many countries. For example, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has placed emphasis on developing education, also VET. The OECD has defined criteria for good vocational education. This publication is for an international audience; for all institutions and individuals, civil servants, directors, teachers and students who are interested in current vocational education and training and developing education in the future. With this publication, we wish to share information about VET in Finland and increase discussion about the importance and quality of vocational education and training.

This publication comprises nine articles written by a total of eight different writers. The articles look at the historical development of VET, administration, pedagogical methods, co-operation between education and the world of work, apprenticeship education, teacher training, support of students during their studies, quality assurance and studying alternatives after initial upper secondary vocational education. All article authors are VET specialists and have research experience and concrete work experience in the sector. The foreword of this publication is written by Ms. Marianne Huusko, the Ambassador for Education Export, Ministry for Foreign Affairs. I wish to thank her for supporting this publication. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the article authors for their tireless work.

This publication has been edited and published by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, School of Vocational Teacher Education, Helsinki, Finland. The editorial board of this publication has included research and development manager Dr. Annica Isacsson, principal lecturer Dr. Päivi-Katriina Juutilainen and director Dr. Jari Laukia, the chairman of the editorial board. Research and development coordinator Ms. Johanna Luostarinen has worked as the secretary of the editorial board. Ms. Nina Finell has taken care of editing this publication and Mr. James O’Sullivan has checked the language. Their work has been important indeed for this publication’s success.