B1 Non-refereed journal articles
The changing role of general studies and work-based learning in vocational education and training (VET) : The case of Finland (2023)

Virolainen, M. H. (2023). The changing role of general studies and work-based learning in vocational education and training (VET) : The case of Finland. Bulletin of the Study of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 1(4), 3-13.

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Virolainen, Maarit

Publication details

All authors or editors: Virolainen, Maarit Hannele

Journal or series: Bulletin of the Study of Technical and Vocational Education and Training

ISSN: 2758-6294

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 1

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 3-13

Publisher: Research Center of Vocational Education and Training at Nagoya Sangyo University

Publication country: Japan

Publication language: English

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Abstract

The importance of general studies as part of vocational education and training (VFT) has been recognised since the 1900s. When VET was incorporated as part of the overall education system in the Nordic countries, the role of more generic studies in study programmes was redefined. In Finland, there has been a transition from the bureaucratic education model towards a more individualised organisation of VET. The aim of this article is to explore how the role of general and work-based studies has been redefined in Finnish VET since the 1990s. The study is based on a secondary analysis of previous research and governmental documents. It aims to increase the understanding of the challenges and discrepancies of developing VET as part of the education system when interests, such as the promotion of civic education, individual progress through open educational pathways, continuous learning and employability, are confluent.

Keywords: vocational education and training; vocational institutions; secondary education; curriculum subjects; curricula; on-the-job learning; lifelong learning; reforms