Recognition of skills and competence at the workplace, Finland

1. Vocational Education Reform in
Finland
Case Process&Rubber Industry

2. Background
● Fast, vast, significant changes within whole educational sector in
Finland -> especially the vocational system undergoing both structural
changes and a change in how the learning activities are generally
perceived
● Vocational Training Institution (school) and working life co-operate
closely. Learning activities take place in both frameworks.
● Individual paths in the core; already existing skills and former education
and training recognized, learning activities consist of modules.
● Vocational Training Institution and working life design the so called
learning path together with the learner. Guidance available at school
and in the working place (Guidance councellor and mentor)
● Evaluation done by the teacher and working life
● Learning path designed based on earlier activities. Requires both
individual responsibility and co-operation between all parties
● Significant freedom of choice in study modules based both on
individual needs and working life needs
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 2

3. Background
● Reform has been effective as of 1.1.2018. Many co-
operation practices only being shaped now.
● Application procedure for the student possible in a flexible
way over the course of the year
● Youth and adult education merged together
● Teacher’s role also different as learning taking place in co-
operation with working life
● Strategic partnerships between educational sector and
working life in the core
● The Finnish National Agency for Education offers grants for
development projects
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 3

4. In a nutshell…
Student applies
for vocational
education
Already acquired
skills recognized.
Individual learning
path according to
needs
Learning in
combination in
school and working
life
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 4

5. ● Age limitation often at 18 years (non-
legislative regulation)
● High-risk environments. Safety first.
Right attitude a must, therefore not a
suitable industry for everyone
● Teacher’s role vs. mentor’s role at
working place
● Freedom of choice. Rights vs.
responsibilities. What kind of
combination of modules will best
employ in the future?
● Importance of guidance counselling –
also at working place
● Quality assurance
● Poor sector awareness/attractiveness
● Flexibility in terms of age limitation.
Some of the students might be
under 18. Is a training period still
possible?
● Close, strategic cooperation, trust
and flexibility
● Willingness to develop flexible
models
● Well-functioning mentoring
systems
● Communication is key
● Marketing, communication and
concrete activities to tackle the
sector attractiveness challenge
Case Process Industry: Bottle Necks and Solutions
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 5

6. ” Concrete answers
provided by the Finnish
Rubber Industry
26.2.2019 Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 6

7. 26.2.2019 7
Present Finnish
Rubber Industry in
nutshell
● 16 member companies
– Aggregated annual turnover 800-900
million euros
– Aggregated annual production 60 – 70
thousand tonnes
● Two main categories
– Tyres
– General Rubber Goods
● Member companies operate at
international markets
– Most of the production exported
– Production facilities and sales offices
abroad
● Practically all raw material imported

8. Future trends
● The internationalisation of Finnish Rubber Industry will continue
– Europe will remain strong export area, but share of Russia may increase.
– More demand for flexibility and innovation
– Niche product segments will come more important
● Arctic development
– Business possibilities because of increased demand for products developed to extreme
conditions
● The development of biobased economy to Europe
– Rubber products including natural rubber are biobased products
– New raw material sources under development
• E.g. guayule, candelion, cellulose based rubber...
– Sustainability of raw materials will come more important
– The competition of raw materials will come more harden, rise of protectionism
● Digitalization
– Internet of things
– 3D printing
● Regulatory framework is not going to be more simple
26.2.2019 8

9. Examples on concrete future
competence actions
● The Kumitaituri (Rubber Master) programme in Pirkanmaa
area, local educational institutions and rubber companies in
co-operation
● Study visits for eight graders to see rubber production
planned together with local school heads -> 4 taken place
so far
● Short-term work experience in rubber production with an
ambassador function
● Events for teachers and school heads with a STEM focus
● Courses for rubber sector employees together with local
vocational schools
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 9

10. The Rubber Master Program in a
nutshell
● Possible candidates can either be vocational students (f.ex. Process
industry or rubber and plastics), already working in a rubber company
without a formal qualification or between jobs.
● Application procedure in co-operation with the school and companies,
final decision on possible start of the programme ALWAYS done by the
company
● Learning path designed according to the needs of the student
● Normally a so-called paid learning agreement with a possibility for a
paid summer job and/or extension of contract after training if both
parties so wish and there is existing need in the company
● Right motivation and attitude in the core –we are looking for the best
possible candidates for the rubber industry!
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 10

11. Lessons learned, conclusions
● Sustainable, long-term relations towards educational sector
vital
● Important to see both strategic and operational needs for
both parties
● Communication of expectations is key
● Important to understand differences in ways of working (eg.
Perception time, expections regarding student quality etc.)
● Do not give up if something fails in the first place, try to
look for alternative ways
● Important to find the right, enthusiastic people to put
things forward. These projects often are extra (social
responsibility) for everyone
26.2.2019Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 11

12. Thank you!
anni.siltanen@kemianteollisuus.fi
arja.sarkanen@teknikum.com
26.2.2019 Anni Siltanen, Arja Sarkanen 12