Technical and vocational education Training in Finland

Today, I focus on vocational education training (VET) in Finland as an example that Ghana could consider in order to improve its own system.
Actually, vocational education and training are very practically-oriented and provide the student with the necessary skills for working life.

The education and training are intended for young people completing their basic education and for adults who are already working.
After vocational education and training, you can start working or apply to a higher education institute (see HYPERLINK “http://www.infofinland.fi”www.infofinland.fi).
The purpose of vocational education and training is to increase and maintain the vocational skills of the population, develop commerce and industry.
According to information on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education, the Finnish VET system supports lifelong learning and students’ development as human beings and members of society (see HYPERLINK “http://www.oph.fi”www.oph.fi).
On-the-job learning
Vocational education in Finland is designed both for young people without upper secondary qualifications and for adults already in work life.
During the studies, it is possible to combine different learning environments and ways to study.
You can complete an entire qualification or parts of it flexibly at the workplace in practical work tasks.
On-the-job learning is agreed through apprenticeship or training agreements.
Finland’s focus on vocational education is understandable. It enables the use of existing scientific knowledge for practical applications in various aspects of working life.
Ghanaian migrants and technical education in Finland
A number of Ghanaian migrants in Finland have taken advantage of the opportunities offered for vocational training in Finland.
They have pursued vocational educational training and have qualified and working in some vocational or technical fields.
Learning from Finland
We in Ghana can learn from the Finnish vocational and technical training system.
Actually, Finland and other European countries give much attention to vocational education training.
Is it possible for our education authorities to seek Finnish expertise? Perhaps, this should be worked into an important area of cooperation between Ghana and Finland with visits by delegations from Finland to Ghana and vice versa.
Let’s continue to think about this. Thank you!