Education in Sampo

There are roughly 20 vocational qualifications and further and specialist vocational qualifications  in 7 fields of vocational education and training. Sampo also offers further training and education for personnel of different comanies as well as a wide range of different authorisation card trainings for the needs of working life.

In all the fields of vocational education and training it is possible to complete a vocational upper secondary qualification and a matriculation examination simultaneously (a dual qualification).

Technology, Communication and Transport

Social Sciences, Business and Administration

Tourism, Catering and Domestic Services

Social Services, Health and Sport

Culture

Natural Resources and the Environment

Natural Sciences

Other Education

You can find more information on the requirements for vocational qualifications on the web site of the Finnish National Board of Education http://www.oph.fi/english/curricula_and_qualifications/vocational_upper_secondary_education

The extent and contents of studies

The extent of a vocational qualification is 180 ECVET points.

Completing a vocational qualification takes approximately three years, depending on the competence of the student. Those with a vocational qualification are eligible for applying to a university of applied sciences or a university. A joint qualification enhances one’s eligibility for further studies.

Different study paths for different students

We take into account the student’s situation in life and thus offer multiple different options for acquiring a vocational qualification. The collaboration between different fields of vocational education and training and multiple study paths aid the student to find his/her own individual path.

There are several options of teaching methods to choose from. For some students, the traditional classroom teaching is a good option, whereas other students might prefer learning individually online or by doing, and for some a combination of these is the perfect option. Studying can be full-time classroom learning or flexible, multifaceted classroom and distance learning.

The students will get an individual study programme, according to which they will develop their vocational skills and competence. The individual study programme enables flexible solutions aiming to benefit the student. In the individual study plan the student’s previous education and work experience will be taken into account. The determining factor is the mastery of a profession.

The Joint qualification path (Dual qualification)

In the joint qualification the student completes simultaneously a vocational qualification and a matriculation examination. The upper secondary school classes are held within regular school hours in Sampo’s premises. A student can also complete individual courses in the collaboration upper secondary school even if they are not aiming for a matriculation examination. Having a joint qualification enhances the student’s eligibility for further studies. Regularly, studies in Sampo last three years.

The Skills path

Taitaja is the annual competition for young VET students and apprentices. In the finals approximately 400 participants compete for the Finnish championships in over 40 skills. The competition gathers spectators in the tens of thousands.

The Competitive sports path

The Competitive Sports Path is aimed at secondary school students who are involved in target-oriented competitive sports. The aim of the path is to combine studying and sports. The student participates in training for three mornings a week with his/her own coach or trainer.

The International path

In the International Path the student develops into working in international environments both in Finland and abroad and is prepared for possible further studies. Read more

The On-the-job learning path

This path is suitable for a student who learns the most effectively by doing and in working life. This path includes more on-the-job learning than the regular study path. The extent of on-the-job learning will be agreed on in the individual study plan and there is no upper limit to it.

The Basic path

Studies will be completed in accordance to the vocational qualification syllabus. Various optional subjects support the fulfillment of each student’s individual study plan.

Guidance Councelling and Student Welfare

The teachers are responsible for guidance in matters concerning their own subjects and the student’s closest councellor is their tutor. All of Sampo’s staff are responsible of supporting the learning process, however, the student councellors, curators, psychologists and school nurses in particular are the representatives of student welfare.

In addition, the learning support assistants, experts and study secretaries take part in supporting the students in their studies. Other means of support include remedial teaching, special needs education and Sampopaja (a working space with guidance available for those left behind). Tutoring students act as peer support for other students.

Financing the Education

The education is carried out as state subsidy funded training, vocational labour market training, personnel training and apprenticeship training. The studies can be full-time classroom teaching or multifaceted learning consisting of classroom teaching, distance learning and online learning. Most study programmes aim at a vocational qualification.

Language training for Immigrants

The integration training for immigrants aims at developing students’ language skills in Finnish gradually from basic level to a rather comprehensive language proficiency. After the integration training, immigrants are eligible to apply for a vocational education or continue to working life. The language of instruction in all the vocational training in Sampo is Finnish.

National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) are language proficiency tests intended for adults. They assess language skills in practical situations where the student may need to speak, listen, write or read in a foreign language. In Sampo, the tests are available in the following languages: Finnish, English and Russian. The certificate can be used to demonstrate language proficiency required for acquisition of Finnish citizenshitel. Once applying for a Finnish citizenship, one must have a National Certificate of Language Proficiency at intermediate level.

Read more on the web site of Finnish National Board of Education: http://www.oph.fi/english/services/yki

Kick-Start to Competence

The young adults’ kick-start programme is aimed at 20-29 year old young adults with no other qualifications than comprehensive education. The programme offers them an additional opportunity to apply to qualification-based vocational training.

This national programme is aimed at increasing both the amount of young adults applying into further education and student councelling and guidance during studies.

The adults’ kick-start programme is aimed at those 30-50 years old adults without any previous qualifications or degrees.

The aim is to further adults’ prerequisites to adjust to the fluctuating labour market’s skills requirements and to help the target group to increase their prospects to develop their own skills and competence.