Finland: new national policy guidelines for the development of VET

The objectives are based on the Government programme and national budget decisions. The overall purpose of Finnish VET is to equip learners with the skills and competences needed to enter the labour market, pursue higher education, and participate actively in society.

For the first time, all national objectives have been consolidated into a single unified framework, shifting the focus from the quantity of training to its quality. Finland plans to increase teacher-led instruction, workplace guidance, and learning support to ensure learners receive adequate teaching across all learning environments and experience a stronger sense of community.

Links between VET and the labour market will be strengthened through more workplace-based skills demonstrations and greater use of apprenticeships. Training will be more closely aligned with labour market needs, while workplaces will receive additional support during apprenticeship and training contracts. Adult education will comprise shorter, more flexible modules to help ensure workforce availability.

VET providers will respond to changes in demographics and labour market needs by cooperating more closely, sharing resources, and using digital solutions. VET will also support the green transition, advance climate objectives, and promote biodiversity protection. Internationalisation will be strengthened through learner mobility and institutional cooperation projects.

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• The Ministry of Education and Culture's policy guidelines for the development of vocational education (in Finnish)