Reforming the qualifications structure

As a part of the larger and continuous updating of VET qualifications, which is caused by the changes in working life, the Finnish National Agency for Education is preparing optional competence modules for sustainable development, financial literacy and economic understanding to be included in vo

The competence-based qualifications in Finland embed validation of non-formal and informal learning as an integral part of the entire CVET qualifications system. The system has been in place since 1994 and was further strengthened in 2007 and in 2015 by the Decree on individualisation.

The Act on the Finnish national framework for qualifications and other competence (Act 93/2017) and the related government Decree (120/2017) entered into force in March 2017. The framework covers the entire education/qualifications system.

The was a need to strengthen the learning outcomes approach of vocational qualification requirements, the modular structure of qualifications, flexibility and individualisation in learning paths and validation of prior learning.

The Finnish National Agency for Education has been developing and coordinating the skills anticipation model for adult education since 2016. The participatory and interactive process ensured an opportunity to participate in developing and piloting the model as extensively as possible.

In 2017, 30 national education and training committees were replaced by nine skills anticipation groups, each representing different vocational fields and together with the steering group formed the National forum for skills anticipation.