For us, the purpose of the skills competitions are to
develop vocational training
promote professional excellence and to increase people’s appreciation of different vocations
give teachers opportunities to network and improve their professional skills
give students an opportunity to meet others and compare their own skills with others: working methods, tools, work environment, and comparison of learning outcomes
increase cooperation between companies and educational institutions
strengthen the link between working life and vocational education
increase recruitment opportunities – connecting the demand for workers with the supply
increase people’s awareness and appreciation of various occupations and professional skills
present career opportunities.
Why do skills competitions work in Finland
Competitions are linked with national VET policy
Each competition has the objectives of its own
Competition is a process, not only an event – utilisation and dissemination of results are part of the process
All the stakeholders are involved – networks
Enable long term development activities – not a project, not only a skills show
A positive, innovative and joyful way of cooperating and communicating