1. Kokemäenjokilaakson Educational Federation of Municipalities Smart home in Europe 5.2.2009 Kokemäki Finland Matti Isokallio Director Educational Federation of Municipalities

2. VET in Finland

3. The aim of vocational education and training (VET) is to improve the skills of the work force, to respond to skills needs in the world of work and to support lifelong learning. A total of 146 000 students attend initial vocational training every year. Of them, 4 500 attend access courses preparing for initial vocational training. The largest fields are Technology and Transport (c. 36%), Business and Administration (19%) and Health and Social Services (17%). The other fields are Tourism, Catering and Home Economics (13%), Culture (7%), Natural Resources (6%) and Leisure and Physical Education (2%).

4. Initial VET The vocational qualification has been designed to respond to labour market needs. The qualification is 120 credits, which takes three years of full- time study, unless prior learning can be counted towards the qualification. The qualification is based on working life occupations and the competencies required. The qualification includes at least 20 credits of on-the-job learning. The training is built on the basic education syllabus.

5. Initial VET Prior learning acquired in training, working life or other learning environments can be counted towards the qualification. Matriculated students can also study in initial VET. Their prior studies are equivalent to some 30 credits, which are counted towards the vocational qualification. A vocational qualification gives general eligibility for polytechnic and university studies.

6. Kokemäenjokilaakson Educational Federation of Municipalities Figures total number of students 1200 +250 staff members 220 degrees awarded annually over 300 operating expenses 17 million Euros

7. Regional development Satakunta region 230 000 inhabitants (Finland 5,3 million)  Our municipalites 100 000 inhabitants year 2010

8. Future challenges Working life changes  New professions  Decrease or increase of certain professions Lack of trained employees  Higher demand in working life Demographic situation  Cohort of 10-16 year vs. cohort of 58-62 year

9. Future possibilities Emphasis in regional development of working life Change of focus from youth to adult education Focus on right field of study Active role in internationalization Active role in immigrant education