Kokemäenjokilaakson
Educational Federation of
Municipalities
Smart home in Europe
5.2.2009
Kokemäki
Finland
Matti Isokallio
Director
Educational Federation of Municipalities
VET in Finland
VET in Finland
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The aim of vocational education and training (VET) is to
improve the skills of the work force, to respond to skills needs
in the world of work and to support lifelong learning.

A total of 146 000 students attend initial vocational training
every year. Of them, 4 500 attend access courses preparing
for initial vocational training. The largest fields are Technology
and Transport (c. 36%), Business and Administration (19%)
and Health and Social Services (17%). The other fields are
Tourism, Catering and Home Economics (13%), Culture (7%),
Natural Resources (6%) and Leisure and Physical Education
(2%).
Initial VET
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The vocational qualification has been designed to respond to
labour market needs.
The qualification is 120 credits, which takes three years of fulltime study, unless prior learning can be counted towards the
qualification.
The qualification is based on working life occupations and the
competencies required.
The qualification includes at least 20 credits of on-the-job
learning.
The training is built on the basic education syllabus.
Initial VET
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Prior learning acquired in training, working life or other
learning environments can be counted towards the
qualification.
Matriculated students can also study in initial VET. Their prior
studies are equivalent to some 30 credits, which are counted
towards the vocational qualification.
A vocational qualification gives general eligibility for
polytechnic and university studies.
Kokemäenjokilaakson Educational
Federation of Municipalities
Figures

total number of students 1200 +250

staff members 220

degrees awarded annually over 300

operating expenses 17 million Euros
Regional development

Satakunta region 230 000 inhabitants (Finland 5,3 million)

Our municipalites 100 000 inhabitants year 2010
Future challenges
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Working life changes
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Lack of trained employees

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New professions
Decrease or increase of certain professions
Higher demand in working life
Demographic situation

Cohort of 10-16 year vs. cohort of 58-62 year
Future possibilities
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Emphasis in regional development of
working life
Change of focus from youth to adult
education
Focus on right field of study
Active role in internationalization
Active role in immigrant education