Learning by doing

In Vocational education and training, work-based learning is an essential part of the qualification. During the work-based learning periods, students apply their knowledge to practical tasks in real-life working environments.  Additionally, they can network with employers when still at school. Work-based learning is carried out in cooperation with schools and businesses. Schools offer practical arrangements, and the work-based learning is based on written contacts between schools and businesses. Students are entitled to the normal student allowance during their work-based learning periods. 

Learning at work strengthens competences

Guided and goal-oriented studying at the workplace takes place in versatile learning environments both at home and abroad and is based on practical work tasks. Educational institutions, workplaces, workshops, worksites of educational institutions and virtual environments reinforce each other. The education provider is responsible for the education, but the student will also be appointed a workplace trainer who must have the required competences for the task.

Studying at the workplace is either based on apprenticeship or on training agreement. Both can be flexibly combined. Learning at work can be used to acquire competence in all vocational qualifications as well as other training advancing or supplementing vocational skills. Studying at the workplace can cover an entire degree, a module or a smaller part of the studies.

In apprenticeship, most of the competence will be acquired at the workplace through practical work tasks and will be reinforced in other learning environments if needed. The student, education provider and employer agree on the arrangements on the apprenticeship together. The apprenticeship is based on a fixed-term contract between the student and the employer. The student is a full-time worker and receives pay.

In the training agreement, the student is not in a contract of employment and does not receive any pay or other compensation. This agreement is drawn between the education provider and the workplace. The workplace is required to keep track of the development of the student, report to the education provider and take action if the competence is not reached.

No minimum or maximum amount has been set for competence acquired in connection with practical work tasks. Instead, education and training organised at the workplace is planned as part of the personal competence development plan, taking into account the competence needs of the workplace and individuals. The plan is attached to the agreement and the training is designed in cooperation with different parties. Students can find the workplace by themselves or ask the education provider for help with finding a suitable workplace.

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