Jari KARTTUNEN (FI): "Inclusive VET Education in Finland - Policy, Culture and Practices"

Wednesday, 13.04.2022, 16:30-17:30 (4:30-5:30 pm.), ONLINE

Finnish legislation in vocational education and training (VET) defines special needs and extensive special needs. Inclusive education means access to education, but also access in education. Inclusion is about changing school, it´s policy, culture and acceptance of students and it´s practices. Building upon previous studies, reports, and legislation papers, the presentation describes current trends, opportunities, and challenges of inclusive VET education in Finland.

In addition, if VET students in other European countries are on average 17 years old, in Finland the average age of VET students is 28. This framework causes challenges for VET teachers in their day-to-day work and sets a requirement for mastering pedagogical working methods which support the development of individual capacities and nurture of the diversity of the students.