Stadin AO’s 22,000 students now have better opportunities to shape their study paths and network with employers during their studies.
Stadin AO, Helsinki Vocational School, is the largest upper secondary education institution in Finland, offering over 60 vocational qualifications. The institution now emphasises the importance of a community, collaboration and entrepreneurial mindset in its studies.
For Emir Elvinen, 20, who is pursuing an initial vocational qualification in Surface Treatment Technology at Stadin AO, vocational education and training was an obvious choice, although finding the right field took some time.
– I enjoy hands-on learning and want to enter the work life quickly. At Stadin AO, studies include a lot of internships from the beginning, and you can complete your studies at your own pace. It requires initiative, but it has also boosted my self-confidence.
Emir hopes that people in Finland would abandon the outdated mindset that general upper secondary school, lukio in Finnish, is the educational path everyone should take.
– Vocational education and training offers a lot of options even during the studies. Of course, much depends on your own initiative: you get much more out of your study time if you get involved in student activities. I myself work as a tutor.
Emir dreams of starting his own business. He has the opportunity to receive education and guidance for this during his entrepreneurship studies.
– It would be great to eventually team up with someone else and start building a business together
Sara Al-Qaysi, 22, chose lukio, general upper secondary school, after completing comprehensive school, but soon realised she missed more practical work. Now, Sara is pursuing a double qualification, which means that she will both receive an initial vocational qualification in Laboratory Technology and pass the matriculation examination of general upper secondary school.
– This has been the best model for me. There are perhaps more scheduling pressures on the general upper secondary school side, but studying at Stadin AO is more independent. The teachers understand that general upper secondary school also takes up some of my time.
Sara believes that vocational education and training could become an asset for her in the labour market early on.
– I’ve noticed that employers value vocational education and training and are happy to receive applications even during the study years. Stadin AO holds Meet & Greet events at which you can network with potential employers.
Like Emir, Sara is actively involved in student activities. At the Influencer Forum, she regularly meets with Stadin AO’s leadership and can voice the students’ concerns.
– The Influencer and Student Forums are very relaxed events where you don’t have to be afraid to speak your mind. We’ve had some really good discussion
In recent years, Stadin AO has made significant investments in modernising its learning environment. The Myllypuro campus was completed in autumn 2023, and a new learning environment for 4,500 students will open in Roihupelto in 2026.
The building will host parts of the technology, service and social and healthcare education programmes, as well as preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) and youth workshops.
– We’re getting a modern learning environment with attention to equipment, storage and automation, says Surface Treatment Technology teacher Tove Alcenius.
Alcenius has witnessed the development of vocational education and training. Students’ strengths and prior knowledge are now better recognised, starting from the early stages of their studies.
– One of the biggest changes is that young and adult students are now in shared groups. It’s also possible to create individual study paths. At Stadin AO, you can study year-round.
Typically, vocational studies are completed in two to three years. The initial vocational qualification consists of 180 competence points, with 35 points allocated to general studies. It is also possible to complete a qualification or parts of it through apprenticeship training, in which studies take place in a workplace in one’s field.
Katriina Turunen, lecturer in Student Activities and Inclusion, praises Stadin AO’s students for their active involvement and willingness to make a difference.
– Our students have a lot of good ideas and the courage to express their opinions. They are interested in education, working life and their future.
Sara Al-Qaysi agrees and gives an example.
– With fellow students, we’ve talked a lot about the recent government cuts and their impact on young people’s well-being and financial situation. I don’t want to end up in a situation in which I have to take out a student loan.
Katriina Turunen understands this concern. She hopes that vocational education and training will continue to be valued in Finland, and that diverse study paths will be supported.
– It’s natural that young students don’t know their future plans right from the start. Finding the right career might take some time, and they shouldn’t be penalised for that. Studying is about growing into a part of society and working life.
Twice a year, Stadin AO conducts a pedagogical well-being survey, and the results have been encouraging. The majority of Stadin AO’s students feel safe and report feeling well.
– I believe this is also due to our focus on developing student activities, especially since the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, Turunen reflects.
Stadin AO is currently developing a safe reporting channel which any student can use to anonymously report bullying, harassment or discrimination they experience.
– We want our students to feel heard in every way. Even anonymously, if the topic is sensitive.
At Stadin AO, student well-being is supported through shared events and activities, such as wellness cafés and promoting physical activity. Students would like vocational education and training to include traditional events similar to those in general upper secondary school, such as the formal dance for second-year students.
– Our dream is to one day organise an “AmisGaala” ball at Stadin AO, which would bring together students from all campuses, Turunen says.
For those still searching for a place to study, Turunen encourages them to explore vocational education and training options.
– It doesn’t mean that you’re closing other doors. On the contrary, vocational education and training opens up opportunities and is just as valuable a study path as general upper secondary school.
Text and photos: Sanna Wallenius
