Written by Janet English

Appendix B: Vocational School

Appendix B:

Vocational School

 

Finnish Basic Education is for children 7-16 years old.

Students may then choose to continue their education at lukio (high school), vocational school, or not go to school at all.

Vocational education offers professional certificates in more than forty-five fields including plumbing, electrical work, painting, and hospitality.  After three years of study (and at age eighteen), graduates can be professionally employed.

Vocational education offers professional certificates in more than forty-five fields including plumbing, electrical work, painting, and hospitality.  After three years of study (and at age eighteen), graduates can be professionally employed. For more information about the role of choice and motivation in upper secondary schools – primarily vocational education –  visit www.fulbrightinfinland.com .  Karen Lee, the Fulbright researcher behind this project, can be contacted at lee.karenjean@gmail.com .

I talked with Sanna who attended practical(vocational) school to become a painter but is now considering schooling to become a social worker. Education and training for this new career will not cost Sanna any money other than what she needs to spend on books.  Here is a portion of her interview.