Karoliina Koskinen is the 'Best of Taitaja' 2025 – “Working with animals is just so cool”

Karoliina Koskinen was photographed in early summer on the grounds of Vocational College Livia in Paimio. Photo: Skills Finland / Roni Lehti.

Karoliina Koskinen began her studies in the vocational qualification in agriculture (animal attendant), in autumn 2023. She discovered the field during lower secondary school while searching for a suitable educational path.

“I had always enjoyed spending time with animals, so I was thrilled to find a field that matched my interests so well,” Karoliina says.

She chose Livia College, which offers vocational education at four campuses in Southwest Finland. Karoliina moved to Paimio to study and live in the student dormitory.

At Livia, students get to practice a wide range of hands-on animal care tasks, with access to a barn, sheep house, stable, animal shelter, and clinic for educational use.

“The best part of my studies is definitely the animals! And of course, my classmates—like-minded people I get to meet—and learning new things. I’ve learned so much about different animal species and everything else. It’s also amazing that through my studies, I have the opportunity to work abroad and see what animal care is like in other countries and cultures”, says Karoliina, who is spending August working in Spain.

In 2025, Karoliina also competed in the Taitaja competition, where she won gold in the Animal Care skill and was chosen as the 'Best of Taitaja' (Taitajien Taitaja in Finnish). For one year, she will represent the competition activities, her field, and vocational education. As a prize, she received a brand-new Volvo car for one year.

“It feels really great to be the Best of Taitaja! I feel like I’ve truly achieved something big. It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s awesome and exciting to be able to promote something so important”, Karoliina says.

“What I look forward to most this year is highlighting the importance of vocational education and, of course, showcasing my own field among others. I’m especially looking forward to graduating and visiting the Taitaja event in Tuusula next spring. I also want to encourage others to take part in Taitaja, because the experience was so rewarding and I learned so much.”

Over the next year, Karoliina will appear at Skills Finland and Taitaja events, as well as in various communications and publications. Partners can also invite Karoliina to speak at events and share her competition journey.

Watch the video interview with Karoliina and learn more about the work of an animal care professional!