Taitaja2026 finalists announced
The finalists of Taitaja2026, the Finnish National Skills Competition, were announced on Thursday, 12 February. A total of 400 vocational students have earned their place in the finals through the semifinals held at the end of January. Taitaja2026 offers the finalists a direct pathway to further studies at universities of applied sciences. A list of the finalists is attached.
Electrical installation semifinal 2026. Photo: Jouni Ylisuutari (OSAO).
Finland’s national vocational championships will take place in May, when the Taitaja2026 event is held in Central Uusimaa at the Tuusula Sports Center on 18–21 May 2026. Altogether 400 young people completing their vocational qualifications will compete on-site for medals.
There are 48 skills categories in total. The categories range from culinary arts to forest machine operation, and from piece goods automation to practical nursing and animal care.
Five of the categories are intended for students who require special support in their studies.
“All competitors who have made it to the finals demonstrate top-level competence: professional skills, expertise, and courage. Each one of them is a future talent,” says Hanna Nyrönen, Taitaja2026 Competition Director from Keuda, the Education Consortium of Central Uusimaa.
3 Universities of Applied Sciences Participating in the Taitaja2026 Pathway
In addition to competing for medals, Taitaja2026 finalists have a unique opportunity to secure a study place at a university of applied sciences without entrance exams.
A total of 13 universities of applied sciences from Helsinki to Rovaniemi participate in the so-called Taitaja Pathway. Together, they offer 360 Taitaja finalists the chance to continue their studies based on their competition success. Finalists can apply for these study places during the second joint application period in the spring.
“The Taitaja Pathway is a strong indication of how higher education institutions recognise and value the skills acquired in vocational education,” says Competition Director Hanna Nyrönen. List of Taitaja2026 finalists. Instagram Photo gallery Accessibility