Welcome to YA!

Full time students at YA - Vocational College of Ostrobothnia who are completing an initial vocational qualification have the possibility to apply for rent-free accommodation at one of our dormitories. YA has two dormitories, one in Vaasa and one in Närpiö. Students who would need to travel a long distance between their home and YA are prioritized when the dormitory accommodation is allocated.

Also note that the places are limited and mainly reserved for students under 18 years old. The dormitories are closed during holidays and weekends and are not a place for permanent residence.

The dormitory in Vaasa

At our dormitory at our Main campus in Vaasa, students can live in apartment blocks of two, three or four rooms with a shared kitchen. The area includes "Gläntan", a room for leisure activities where students for example can play snooker and PlayStation. There is also a sauna available for students lodging at the dormitories. The students also have access to the school’s fitness gym.

For more information, call +358 (0)6 3242509 or e-mail: Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

Student Housing Foundation VOAS

The Student Housing Foundation in Vaasa - VOAS offers different kinds of apartments depending on the student's needs. They offer shared apartments, studios and family apartments at a close distance to the schools.

For more information contact the Student Housing Foundation VOAS, Hartmaninkuja 4, 65100 VAASA, phone +358 (0) 6 327 6511, the Housing Office +358 (0)6 327 65 30, or look at the foundation’s website. 

The dormitory in Närpiö

At our dormitory in Närpiö students live in four person apartments. The apartments have three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a bathroom. In their spare time the students have access to two leisure activity rooms with television, table tennis and a snooker table. There is also a sauna available for students lodging at the dormitories. The dormitory is located only 100 m from the school.

For more information, call +358 (0)6 3242509 or e-mail Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

The unit in Pietarsaari

Students at YA in Pietarsaari are recommended to contact "Bogärdet" Student Housing. The address is Fastighets Ab Ebba Kiinteistö Oy, Salutorget 1, 68600 Pietarsaari.

For more information, call +358 (0) 6 781 0450.

The unit in Pedersöre

Students at YA in Pedersöre can rent apartments owned by the town.

For further information, call +358 (0)6 785 01 11.

Most of the education arranged by YA can also be completed through apprenticeship. Most of the competence will be acquired at the workplace through practical work tasks and will be reinforced in other learning environments if needed. The student, education provider and employer agree on the arrangements on the apprenticeship together. The apprenticeship is based on a fixed-term contract between the student and the employer. The student is a full-time employee and receives a salary.

You can apply to vocational education training (VET) continuousy throughout the year, whenever most suitable for you. You can also start your studies at any time throughout the year. Applications are handled continuously at YA.

There are different application channels, however, depending on your previous education. Eg. a young person who is finishing his/her basic education or general upper secondary education mainly applies through the “joint application” process in early spring every year. Adults who do not hold a vocational qualification may also apply through the joint application.

Through the “continuous application” process applicants can apply throughout the year for initial vocational qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications.

The continuous application is especially suitable for people that:

• have already passed a second degree or a college degree
• have acquired knowledge in working life
• want to take an initial vocational qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications or parts of a qualification.
• want to take a vocational qualification as an apprenticeship education
• did not get a place to study in a joint application.

This vocational education is especially well suited for you who are a permanently resident of Finland and whose native language is another than Swedish or Finnish. You will, however need to understand and speak some Swedish and/or Finnish to be able to work in Finland. Swedish is the main language at the Vocational College of Ostrobothnia (YA),  and our aim is to considerably improve your Swedish communication skills during your studies.

We offer vocational qualifications in most VET fields at EQF level 4. Our educational language is Swedish, which means that introductions and presentations may be given in English, but if you wish to follow and shadow lessons they will be in Swedish.

Depending on how many days and what the conformed program will be, we charge a minimum fee of 150 eur/person for Attendance Certificates, program, arrangements etc. Travel, transport and accommodation not included.

For a one-week job shadowing program our International Office often offer the following:

Day 1: Introduction to the Finnish educational system and a tour of the Campus
Day 2: Visits and introduction at selected VET areas of interest
Day 3: Visits and introduction at selected VET areas and/or presentation of related projects
Day 4: Study visit to related work placements/organization
Day 5: Cultural visits.

Please contact us for more information and program alternatives:

Susanna Vestling, International Affairs Specialist, Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

Studying at YA allows students to combine their vocational education and training studies with general upper secondary studies. In other words, the students can complete their matriculation exam at the same time as their vocational exam. This is an excellent choice for students who intend to continue their studies at a university, polytechnic or a university of applied sciences.

Through cooperation between the general upper secondary schools in the region, YA is able to offer students the possibility to attend several general upper secondary school courses during daytime. Other courses can be attended during eveningtime or as virtual courses at a distance.

YA offers students strong vocational competences. The education system allows students to study in a flexible way and choose units and smaller parts of the qualifications corresponding to their own competence needs.

Personal competence development plan

A personal competence development plan is made for each student. The plan is drawn up by a teacher or a guidance counsellor together with the student. In the plan  the skills previously acquired by the student are mapped and recognized. It also outlines the kind of competences the student needs and how they will be acquired in different learning environments. Students may have obtained relevant skills from working life, another school, international studies, work placement periods, family and leisure activities or through the media. Previous learning is recognized and only the missing skills need to be acquired. The plan also includes information on the necessary supportive measures. The studies are then based on the personal competence plan, comprising both compulsory and optional study units.

The students’ learning and competences acquired are assessed throughout the studies. The assessment is based on criteria defined in the national qualification requirements. One of the main assessment methods is competence demonstrations.

Workplace oriented learning

Guided and competence-based VET studies take place in versatile learning environments. Educational institutions, workplaces, workshops, worksites of educational institutions and virtual learning environments reinforce each other. The education provider is responsible for the education but the student will also be appointed a workplace trainer who must have the required competences for the task.

Studying at the workplace can cover an entire qualification, a module or a smaller part of the studies and is either based on apprenticeship or on a training agreement.

YA provides students insights into entrepreneurship as part of the students' VET studies. During their education, students can experience the everyday life of an entrepreneur at YA’s own service points; the hairdressing salon "Point Cut", the restaurant "Kungsgården" and the auto-repair-shop. The construction and electrician students also take on construction projects as part of their studies. The aim is to prepare students to work as employees or to be independent entrepreneurs.

When in a learning agreement, the student is not in a contract of employment and does not receive any salary or other compensation. This agreement is drawn between the education provider and the workplace. The workplace is required to keep track of the development of the student, report to the education provider and take action if the competence is not reached.

Education and training organized at the workplace is planned as part of the personal competence development plan, considering the competence needs of the workplace and individuals. The plan is attached to the agreement and the learning is designed in cooperation with different parties. Students can find a suitable workplace for the on-the-job learning by themselves or ask the education provider for help.

The aim of the on-the-job learning periods is to:

• develop professional skills
• have positive experiences
• become familiar with routines at the workplace
• increase the chances of employment

The on-the-job learning periods vary in length and take place regularly throughout the degree program. Today they encompass a significant part of the studies. The extent and length of the periods depend on the selected degree program. YA also regularly arrange training for workplace trainers.

An increasing part of the students at YA undertakes on-the-job learning periods abroad where they have a possibility to strengthen their professional, social and cultural competencies. This intercultural learning environment is a setting that favors transparency, responsiveness, cooperation, social adaptation, creative thinking, flexibility and solution-oriented approaches. These are vital in order to enhance the competitiveness and quality of the Finnish working life, education and training from a global perspective.

Labor market training is arranged by the Employment and Economic Development Centre which can contract YA to arrange the education. Contact your local Employment and Economic Development Centre and check if you are entitled to apply for labor market training. The Employment and Economic Development Centre also gives information on study conditions and current education alternatives within the framework of labor market training.

Applications are then submitted either:

• Through an electronic application form (this can be found on the Ministry of Labor’s web page www.mol.fi under the heading Labor Market Training). The form is automatically sent to the particular Employment and Economic Development Centre responsible for student applications.
• Through an application form provided by the Employment and Economic Development Centre. The form is submitted in person to your local Employment and Economic Development Centre.

Within most of our degree programs you have the option of completing a part of your courses or learning through on-the-job learning periods abroad. We have extensive international cooperation with partners in more than 20 countries in Europe and Asia.

Participating in our international activities is enriching for students. You will receive new impulses, new motivation as well as get familiar with new cultures and developing new contacts and networks.

In short, you will have experiences and memories for life! 

VET students of today acquire their education and knowledge through individual and flexible methods, both at school and at the work place. At YA students receive their training in versatile learning environments, e.g. through on-the-job learning periods according to each student's specific needs.

Finnish Vocational Education and Training (VET), is competence-based and customer-oriented, see Finnish VET in a nutshell. VET is publicly funded and free of charge. Students are entitled to one free meal per day and school transport subsidies.

In Finland there are 10 fields of education that include:

• Agriculture and Forestry
• Business, Administration and Law
• Education
• Health and Welfare
• Humanities and Arts
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
• Natural Sciences
• Service Industries
• Social Sciences
• Technology

YA offers training within most of the above mentioned VET fields. YA follows the national Initial Vocational Qualifications and there are The English language version of the through the eRequirements service that contains qualification requirements for the vocational qualifications.

Competence requirements are the same in all learning environments, also in workplaces. Qualifications are the same for young people and adults.

Vocational qualifications are independent of the way the vocational skills have been acquired. The competences can be acquired in different learning environments and ways, at different times. Students demonstrate their skills in competence demonstrations at practical work.

The vocational qualification is composed of vocational units (145 competence points) and common units (35 competence points). The scope of a vocational qualification is 180 competence points. VET studies consist of both theory and practice.

The on-the-job learning periods that are included in the qualification, consist of guided training at a workplace.

Vocational upper secondary studies grant the students eligibility to further studies at universities or universities of applied sciences.

HUX is aimed at both learners under 18 and adults.

Study and career planning is a common education and training unit for all; in addition to that, the learner chooses different units.

These may include, for example, vocational education, working life skills, and workplace education and training. The studies last up to a year.

At YA these studies are conducted in Swedish. The applicants will need to demonstrate their Swedish language skills by taking a language proficiency examination or test.

Vocational qualifications include vocational upper secondary qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications. Education not leading to a qualification includes preparatory education for vocational training (VALMA) and preparatory education for work and independent living (TELMA).

Note that the language of teaching at YA is Swedish.

Vocational qualifications offered at YA:

Artisan (Competence area of Interior Decoration)

Artisans who have completed the competence area of interior decoration know how to design and implement interior decoration projects for customers. The work is carried out in teams, the members of which are specialised in different areas of expertise. Qualification holders who have completed the competence area of interior decoration often possess multiple skills. They may work as entrepreneurs or employees performing tasks related to the design and building of spaces or design and implementation of services, or work in industrial production, customer service and sales. They are familiar with the regulations and practices of their field, sustainable development and handling of materials. Aesthetic, visual and cultural competence, manual skills and entrepreneurship are typical skills in the field of arts and design. Holders of a qualification in arts and design know how to plan their work and obtain versatile information relevant to their field. 

Building Constructor

Construction sector professionals are employed in the building and continuous maintenance of facilities and buildings for housing, work and leisure, transport networks, different environmental structures as well as water and energy services networks. The operations are traditionally domestic, but an increasing share of them are currently international. Today’s builders must have skills for working on renovation sites

Building maintenance technology (Plumber)

Holders of a vocational qualification in building maintenance technology work on newbuilding and renovation sites, employed by HVAC contractors. For instance, they install water pipes, hot water cylinders, basins, toilets, taps and sewage pipes as well as heating pipes, boilers, oil burners, and ventilation equipment. They may also work in property maintenance, the building product industry (including the prefabricate industry) as well as in the employment of municipal water, sewage, and energy utilities.

The candidates are able to use the basic tools of the sector and correct techniques, select the right brackets and other materials for each site and complete ordinary pipe installations. They are able to work independently and in a quality-conscious, customer service oriented and co-operative manner.

Bus driver

For the purposes of this qualification, logistics refers to road transport, warehousing, and logistics services at airports. A transport sector professional transports people, goods, and vehicles to their destinations efficiently and safely, serving customers as well as possible. The sector is international and requires of its professionals extensive competence and an ability to develop. Skills in handling different vehicles, machines and equipment, ICT skills, and language proficiency are also required for working in the sector.

Cook

A cook who has completed the qualification knows how to work in food preparation tasks at restaurants with different business ideas or missions or in public sector units. Prepare tasty, nutritious, and wholesome food, taking special diets into account. Set out food as individual plated dishes or dishes for a large group of customers. A cook who has completed the competence area of food services works at restaurants or in the catering sector, staff canteens, cafés, catering companies, freight and passenger ships as well as institutional kitchens.

Driver/Articulated Vehicle Driver

For the purposes of this qualification, logistics refers to road transport, warehousing, and logistics services at airports. A transport sector professional transports people, goods, and vehicles to their destinations efficiently and safely, serving customers as well as possible. The sector is international and requires of its professionals extensive competence and an ability to develop. Skills in handling different vehicles, machines and equipment, ICT skills, and language proficiency are also required for working in the sector.

Electrician / Automation Assembler

Electricians who have completed the vocational qualification in electrical engineering and automation technology are able to perform tasks related to the electrical installations, operation, servicing, and maintenance of residential, business, office, industrial, and public properties in compliance with the standards and regulations concerning electrical installations. Their core competence includes electrical and building automation installations related to electronic building services engineering or tasks related to the installation, operation, servicing, and maintenance of electrical networks in compliance with the standards and regulations concerning electrical networks.

Automation assemblers who have completed the vocational qualification in electrical engineering and automation technology can perform tasks requiring electrical engineering and automation technology expertise in the assembly, installation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of industrial electrical machinery and equipment and automation systems in compliance with the standards and regulations concerning electrical installations. Their core competence includes knowledge of different adjustment, discrete and control room systems, robotics and a command of tasks related to their installation and maintenance.

Emergency Practical Nurse

Holders of the Vocational Qualification in Social and Health care have wide-ranging basic capabilities for the different tasks in their occupational field and more specialised competence and the vocational skills required in the world of work in at least one competence area in working life activities. The competence area in basic life support (BLS) produces competence to enhance health, safety, wellbeing and the functional capacity and ability to work in emergency and acute care. The qualification title for this competence area is emergency practical nurse (BLS).

Holders of vocational qualification in social and health care can work in different tasks in nursing and care, services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, mental health and substance abuse work, home care, families with children, and in different tasks in outpatient and institutional care in social and health care. Emergency practical nurses (BLS) with a qualification in the competence area in basic life support have a diverse set of specialisation options open to them in the world of work, and also work in other fields than emergency and acute care. They cannot, however, work in early childhood education and care.

Environment Operative/ Nature Instructor

Qualification holders have extensive knowledge and skills in the natural and environmental protection sector and more specialised competence in the field of nature guidance, natural resources production, natural and environmental advisory services, reindeer husbandry, or environmental protection. Qualification holders are able to operate sustainably and see to safety in their sector and may work as employees or entrepreneurs in the natural and environmental protection sector in tasks related to guidance and advisory services, nature-based products, environmental protection, or reindeer husbandry.

Environmental Operatives who have completed the competence area in environmental protection know how to work in tasks related to restoring and managing built or natural environments. They are able to determine the status of the environment and the needs to manage it. They know how to use the equipment and instruments needed to examine the status of the environment and work in material recycling and waste management tasks.

Forest Machine Operator

Qualification holders who have completed the competence area in forest machine operation may specialise in mechanised timber production, the extraction of timber, mechanised site preparation, and forest management or the transportation of timber by lorry. Forest machine operators who have specialised in mechanised timber production know how to produce timber using a harvester in accordance with harvesting instructions and the specified dimensional and quality requirements. Forest machine operators who have specialised in the extraction of timber know how to extract timber using a forwarder in accordance with the extraction plan they have drawn up. Forest machine operators who have specialised in site preparation and mechanised forest management know how to carry out mechanised site preparation and forest management according to the plan they have drawn up. Forest machine operators who have specialised in the transportation of timber by lorry know how to transport timber from the forest to the site where it is used. Forest machine operators know how to locate and delimit the felling site by using the Global Positioning System and site maps.

Forest worker/ Forest services producer

Forest workers/forest services producers who have completed the competence area in forestry know how to carry out the manual work related to silviculture and wood harvesting, or tasks associated with the forest environment, such as work related to multiple-uses of forests.
Typical occupations in forestry are forest machine operators, forest workers, forest machine mechanics, log truck drivers, forest services entrepreneurs, forest-improvement machine operators, bioenergy sector workers (including peat machine drivers), and tree nursery workers.

Fur farmer

Fur farmers who have completed the competence area in fur farming can operate as independent fur producers, animal attendants, or relief workers employed by someone else, employees in animal feed mixing plants and skinning centres, or hide graders in auction houses. Fur producers know how to take into account the general preconditions for fur animal breeding, and they must operate in accordance with the laws in force governing fur production. They know how to comply with the ethical principles and notions of welfare related to fur farming and are familiar with the criteria for certification in the fur industry.

Qualification holders look after, manage, and handle fur animals carefully and as indicated by the needs of each species. They are familiar with the fundamental principles involved in fur-animal breeding and comply with the notion of ethical breeding, using information technology as an aid in their work. Candidates are aware of different production facility solutions and adept in the use of the main machines and equipment used in the sector.

Gardener

Holders of the vocational qualification in horticulture have wide-ranging basic skills in the field of horticulture and more advanced competence in floristry and horticultural business, horticulture, or landscape industries. They can identify a wide variety of plants in the horticultural sector and the factors affecting their growth in green areas, field cultivation, greenhouses, or florist's shops and garden centres. They know how to produce safe and high-quality services or horticultural products in floristry and horticultural business or landscape industries in compliance with the legislation, regulations, and agreements in the field.

Gardeners who have completed the vocational qualification in horticulture may work in the sales of products and services in florist's shops and garden centres, as growers of horticultural products, or in landscaping or the maintenance of green areas.

Hairdresser/ Barber/ Beauty Consultant

Hairdressers have the vocational skills required in performing haircuts using hairdressing techniques and in styling hair using different techniques. Hairdressers work in unisex hairdressers' salons either as entrepreneurs or as employees. They may also be employed by importers or department stores in which they work in product sales and training.

Barbers know how to do haircuts using barbering techniques, style hair, and perform beard treatments. Barbers work in unisex hairdressers' salons either as entrepreneurs or as employees. They may also be employed by importers or department stores in which they work in product sales and training.

Beauty consultants are able to provide guidance and advice on skin and hair care and the use of products to customers. Beauty consultants work in the cosmetics sections of department stores, ships and airports, in pharmacies, or in sales and training tasks in companies that import products. Beauty consultants usually work as employees, but they may also be entrepreneurs.

Housekeeper

Housekeepers work in domestic service tasks and customer service situations according to the service agreement applying to the customer site. They know how to provide home meal services and home cleaning services in customer homes or home-like institutions. In addition, housekeepers are able to clean a home in special circumstances, manage garden and outdoor areas, care for clothing and textiles, or provide assistance services and errand services in customer homes.

Implementer of Media Services

Holders of the vocational qualification in media and visual expression are capable of working in diverse tasks in the field of media and visual expression. Qualification holders know the operating environment of media and have the capabilities to perform a myriad of tasks in different working environments. Both people with a broad range of vocational skills and specialists in vocational skills are needed in the field of media and visual expression. Qualification holders generally possess broad capabilities in their own competence area, but they may also specialise in a specific sub-area of their competence area. Holders of the vocational qualification in media and visual expression may be employed by the public sector, companies, other media communities or operators, or they may work as entrepreneurs or in a self-employed capacity.

Implementer of Visual Expression

Students who have completed the Competence area of Visual Expression are familiar with the media sector operating environment. Depending on their choices, they know how to work either in graphic design, use of visual arts materials and methods, or photographic production and making of constructed photographs, and they master the knowledge and skills of the specialised areas of the optional units selected by them. They are able to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in changing work situations and work diversely in different tasks in the field of media and visual expression. The qualification title is Implementer of Visual Expression. Holders of the vocational qualification in media and visual expression may be employed by the public sector, companies, other media communities or operators, or they may work as entrepreneurs or in a self-employed capacity.

Machinist

Machinists can make components of machines and other parts in accordance with working drawings by machining, utilising automatic machine tools. They can plan the order of the different work stages of the manufacturing process and use the materials, machines, equipment, and methods of the field appropriately and safely in their work. Machinists are also responsible for the quality of the products they have made and for the correct controls and operation of the machines they use. They are able to programme a CNC machine tool and use it in manufacturing.

Machinists work as part of production that manufactures different objects according to work drawings through chipping by programming and using automatic CNC machines. Manufacturing may be the manufacture of single objects or serial production. Machinists work in tasks involving machining parts of machines and measuring and quality control of manufactured products. Parts of different sizes and machined according to different accuracy requirements are used in all building of machines and equipment.

Musician

Holders of the vocational qualification in music are able to work independently in different performance and work situations. They have a command of the working methods and tools used in different phases of work and know the background and performance practices associated with the repertoire being performed. In their work, qualification holders aim at a high quality and an aesthetic effect.

In addition, qualification holders who have completed the competence area in music, music technology, or piano tuning have more specialised expertise and the vocational skills required in working life in their chosen competence area. Musicians, music technologists, or piano tuners who have completed the vocational qualification in music have extensive vocational basic skills needed in different tasks in their vocational field and in further studies. Qualification holders can work in orchestras, music institutions, parishes, bands, and ensembles, and for show production companies or as entrepreneurs.

Painter

Painters with a qualification in the competence area in house painting know how to carry out painting in repair and new building work sites. They also know the basics of wallpapering, screeding and spray painting. In addition to the painting and wallpapering of interior surfaces, they may specialise in the surface treatment of facades or in versatile painting work in small houses. In addition, they know how to paint building parts and furnishings made of different materials.

In the construction sector, qualification holders with a vocational qualification in surface treatment technology may find employment in painting, wallpapering, tiling and floor laying work. The metal industry needs workers skilled in spray painting, powder coating, anti-corrosive painting, rubber and plastic coating and tiling, metal spraying, galvanising, and other surface treatments. Multi-skilled surface treatment finishers are needed in product painting in the painting, lacquering, and staining of products and solid building parts.

Plater-Welder

Plater-welders weld, shape and join plates. They work as part of production in which different objects are manufactured from steel according to work drawings and instructions. Their work tasks include work such as different kinds of welding tasks and cutting and bending plates. They are able to use modern CNC machines and equipment in their work. Plater-welders work in the metal industry in the manufacture of plate pieces and welded pieces, making different steel structures or their components. Diverse steel structures are used in different machines, buildings and vehicles.

Practical Nurse

Holders of vocational qualification in social and health care can work in different tasks in nursing and care, services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, mental health and substance abuse work, home care, early childhood education and care, child welfare, families with children, and in different tasks in outpatient and institutional care in social and health care. They may work in basic health care and specialised medical care, for example, on inpatient wards, in outpatient clinics, oral health care, basic life support, perioperative units, terminal care, home care, or hospital services at home. Their jobs may be found in the public, private, or third sector. Qualification holders may also work as entrepreneurs, for example, as providers of podiatric care.

Property Maintenance Operative

Property maintenance operatives work in property maintenance tasks and customer service situations at a customer site according to the service agreement applying to the customer site. They know how to take care of the general maintenance and supervision of a property in indoor and outdoor areas and how to assess the general technical condition, functionality and safety of the buildings. Property maintenance operatives know how to assess the indoor air quality of the property, locate malfunctions in the operation of building control systems and identify their causes, and service the usual appliances and equipment that are part of building control systems. They know how to maintain the ventilation units at the customer site in working order and carry out scheduled maintenance and other work related to ventilation units. Property maintenance operatives know how to use building automation at the customer site.

Rural entrepreneur

Rural entrepreneurs who have selected the competence area in agriculture know how to work in various types of rural enterprises. They have extensive basic knowledge regarding how to keep land fertile and the factors that affect plant growth. They possess good technical skills and know how to use and take care of the machinery and equipment necessary for their work. Depending on their choices, they manage production animals and promote their welfare, pursue forestry methodically, serve customers, or design and use production technology for their enterprise and commission building work.

According to their choices, they are able to practise various professions associated with agriculture, such as a farmer, a production animal attendant, or a farm relief worker, or work as an entrepreneur or an employee in an agricultural supplies store or in businesses providing farm relief, work, machinery, bioenergy, or landscape management services. They have the capacity to develop themselves and complete a further qualification after gaining work experience.

Software developer/ IT support specialist

Holders of a vocational qualification in information and communications technology have the vocational skills required for carrying out tasks in the field of information and communications technology and are able to work co-operatively in environments related to information and communications technology. Qualification holders know how to use the vocabulary specific to the field, find out the customer’s needs and make customer-oriented decisions in tasks related to information and communications technology. They ensure that the final result meets the requirements set for the work.

Software developers are able to carry out programming, utilise interfaces, handle data and use version management. When working as members of a software development team, they communicate with the customer, plan the implementation of the software and ensure the quality of the implemented functionalities. IT support specialists are able to work in an information and communications technology environment consisting of workstations, network devices and accessories and areas of operation. They work as part of information management and help users in different technical problems in the customer’s premises or through a remote connection.

Vehicle Mechanics

The purpose of the vehicle sector is to provide private and public transport and goods transport services and other logistics services in the society and to facilitate people’s mobility-related pastimes. The qualification titles in this sector include Vehicle Mechanic, Vehicle Body Repairer, Vehicle Painter, Car Salesperson, Part Salesperson, and Small Machinery Repairer.

Typical workplaces related to vehicle sales, installations, repairs, and services are car dealerships, car accessories shops and car repair shops. In addition to actual repair shop tasks, Vehicle Mechanics, Vehicle Body Repairers, and Vehicle Painters also have the skills required for working in the car industry and, for example, industries manufacturing different vehicle bodies, special vehicles, and caravans.

Vocational Qualification in Business and Administration

Qualification holders have competencies in customer-oriented business management, communications and interaction, language and financial management. They work in different digital environments and network in a professional manner. They have the basic capabilities required for entrepreneurship and the capabilities to develop the skills needed to work in immediate supervisor positions. Qualification holders have the capabilities to develop new products, services, and customer experiences.

People with business skills are required in all fields of work. Completion of the vocational qualification enables them to work in a myriad of tasks in a company or some other organisation. Qualification holders may work, for example, in customer services and sales, marketing communications, service design, finance, and office or library services tasks in different organisations.

Waiter/Waitress

A waiter/waitress who has completed the qualification knows how to work in customer service tasks at restaurants with different business ideas or missions or in public sector units. Tidy customer facilities and display products to be sold. Present, sell and serve food and beverages. A waiter/waitress who has completed the competence area of customer service works at restaurants, staff canteens, pubs, night clubs, transport stations, cafés, fast food, catering, or tourism service companies or various institutions. 

Warehouse Operative

For the purposes of this qualification, logistics refers to road transport, warehousing, and logistics services at airports. A transport sector professional transports people, goods, and vehicles to their destinations efficiently and safely, serving customers as well as possible. Those working in the warehousing sector handle and move different goods into warehouses and out to consumers. Skills in handling different vehicles, machines and equipment, ICT skills, and language proficiency are also required for working in the sector. Depending on the selected competence areas, qualification holders may find jobs in transport sector or logistics organisations and companies, at airports, terminals or warehouses, or they may operate as entrepreneurs.