The Stadin AO Working Life Awards for 2024 were awarded to distinguished individuals and organisations that have developed smooth cooperation between vocational education and working life. All recipients have focused on a positive attitude towards guidance and learning, as well as development-oriented and innovative cooperation.
Principal Eeva Sahlman opened the event with a speech about the close cooperation between the working life and Stadin AO. In her speech, Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari emphasised the importance of a healthy work community and the importance of learning in a genuine work environment. In addition to work skills, Helsinki focuses on the development of emotional skills. Students are put on a path to enable them to work and develop in a meaningful work community.
“Stadin AO has granted the Working Life Awards since 2019, which is a tradition that we are proud of. The Working Life Award is our way to thank the recipients for their cooperation and highlight the value of cooperation with the working life in vocational education and training,” says Sahlman, who was also the chairman of the prize jury.
Close cooperation creates the future
Under the guidance of people in the working life and vocational education, students are given a place in their professions as future colleagues. Close cooperation between the working life and vocational education is, after all, what creates the future. Teacher Katriina Turunen interviewed Jesse Nyholm, a member of the board of the Student Union of Stadin AO, about the support received for learning at work, both from the school and the workplace's point of view.
PharmacFinland Oy CEO Karoliina Kaijasilta-Järvenpää explained her company's philosophy by emphasising open communication, the importance of continuous learning and participatory leadership, among other things. Success at work requires that the person understands both their own and the company's goals.
Teacher at Helsinki Vocational College Stadin AO Maria Vänskä spoke about the wellbeing and safety of students. Our core task is to develop the student's competence and ability to work.
“It's great that we get to train students to be competent professionals”
Workplace instructor Maria Vuorenmaa at Yliopiston apteekki pharmacy (YA), one of the recipients of the award, says that they allow students to do a variety of different work tasks and that they are given positive feedback on their development. A good atmosphere in the workplace also creates the foundation for a successful work experience.
“Us workplace supervisors warlmy welcome the student in the work community, along with the entire staff. Students gradually get to learn the tasks, are given sufficient time to learn, their goals are discussed from the get-go, and discussions are held regularly,” says Vuorenmaa.
“It is fantastic that the Yliopiston apteekki pharmacy and Helsinki Vocational College Stadin AO are engaged in this type of cooperation. It is great that we can be a part of training students to become competent professionals. Many students have found employment with us, in various tasks. The teachers of the pharmaceutical team are also always there to support the workplace instructors when they have questions.”
International cooperation, entrepreneurial skills and learning at work
The cooperation between Helsinki Vocational College Stadin AO and the city’s Kankarepuisto daycare centre began in August 2023. The whole daycare centre is committed to this cooperation and the students have always been warmly included.
The daycare centre allocated time for the cooperation and has seen the significance of observational sessions. After observation sessions, the students have stayed behind for a reflection session, which has also involved the supervisors. Kankarepuisto daycare centre has made it possible for the students to learn, boost their Finnish skills and given them skills for professional life.
The year's winner of the international award are Krog Roba and Hotel Lilla Roberts, who have warmly welcomed international chef and waiter trainees. Student feedback shows that they are an excellent workplace that takes the students’ wellbeing and learning into account.
2024 Working Life Awards
Workplace Instructor of the Year: Marja Vuorenmaa, Yliopiston apteekki pharmacy
Partner of the Year: The City of Helsinki’s Daycare Kankarepuisto
International Partner of the Year: Krog Roba, Hotel Lilla Roberts
Business Students of the Year: Samuel Amanatey, construction and Sanna Utunen, textiles and fashion (milliner trainee)
