Welcome to Vamia to build a solid foundation for your future career! As a provider of education and training, Vamia is responsible for preparing skilled people to meet the needs of working life. Our graduates must be able to hit the ground running, work productively and safely, and succeed and grow in their chosen careers.
We always strive to be one step ahead, which is why we are constantly preparing for future challenges and opportunities. We listen to the wishes of trade and industry and students alike, update our learning environments, and develop our own skills and teaching methods.
Today, Vamia offers more than 60 different qualifications, many of them in as many as three languages. You can study towards a qualification or selectively upgrade your skills according to your own wishes and needs. We offer training in three languages, and many courses are open to continuous admission. We tailor different types of training for companies based on their individual schedules and needs.
Our diverse student body ranges from young people fresh out of comprehensive school to adult students with more life and work experience. We offer combination studies leading to the matriculation examination, and polytechnic pathway studies (Vamk, Novia) for those who seek the fastest and smoothest route to further studies. To those who are still finding their learning path, we offer preparatory education.
All our students a receive personal competence development plan (PCDP). We draw up a personal study plan for each student and focus on guidance counselling and practical on-the-job learning. When we know the student, their studies can be planned and organised in a more motivating and flexible manner.
Some prefer distance learning; others want to study in a group or need more support. You can also study while working, or through an apprenticeship. If you already have solid work experience, you can simply prove your skills by means of a competence demonstration. Today’s vocational training and education does not close any doors but opens many!
Our long-term commitment to learning environments is bearing fruit. The stunning new facilities for the motor vehicles, building construction, and infrastructure construction sectors were inaugurated at the beginning of 2024. In addition to training and education, the modern, convertible hall has been designed to meet the demands and opportunities of working life, the green transition and technological change. Parcos, the learning environment for beauty care, has undergone a facelift, and students in the social and healthcare sector have for some time now had access to the latest care and simulation technology.
We are strongly committed to sustainable development, which is intrinsically linked to our activities. The green transition is visible in our daily work and teaching on a daily basis. The use of artificial intelligence is one of the most significant factors shaping working life in decades. For more and more people, AI is becoming a ‘digital colleague’, freeing workers from mundane, repetitive routines to perform more meaningful tasks, helping to make work more efficient and meaningful across all sectors. To guide our students on this path, we will train ourselves and update our learning methods accordingly.
We stay ahead of the curve so you can too!
Åsa Stenbacka Principal
Vamia provides a great base for students to embark on further studies
STUDYING AT VAMIA
Vamia operates around the year. The Education committee sets the school year dates annually. It is possible to study while working as there is a selection of evening and weekend classes.
Studies are arranged so that students can follow their personal study paths in a flexible manner) and without delays.
Active participation is expected of the students. The students have to acquaint themselves with and adhere to Vamia’s practices, take responsibility over their studies and everyday things such as getting to school, living arrangements, eating and study material as well as recognizing possible special needs and acquiring suitable support for such needs. Students have a way of getting their voices heard by joining the student council (oppilaskunta) or by taking part in the activities of a student association.
The principle of equality is an integral part of everyday life at Vamia. The criteria for student selection are very transparent and clear. The teaching arrangements cater for the students’ individual needs. The crucial need for equality is highlighted particularly when assessing the students’ competence. There is zero tolerance for any discrimination or sexual harassment. We have a specific plan as well as guidelines for equality for students at Vamia.
PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCDP)
Together with their coordinating teacher and, occasionally, a guidance counsellor, the students draft a personal competence development plan (PCDP). All information about identifying and recognising prior learning and competence is recorded in the plan. Moreover, the plan should state how competence will be acquired, what support measures the student needs and how competence is demonstrated. Furthermore, a PCDP includes an individual career plan. The PCDP is uploaded onto StudentaPlus and is updated frequently. If the studies are carried out as an apprenticeship, a representative from the workplace must also take part in drafting the plan. Representatives from other cooperation partners, such as the TE office (public employment and business services), can also partake in drafting a PCDP where needed.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The scope of qualification is 180 competence points of which 145 competence points are vocational qualification units and 35 competence points are common units.
COMMON UNITS FOR VOCATIONAL UPPER SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS ARE
1 COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION COMPETENCE
2 SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
3 CITIZENSHIP AND WORKING LIFE COMPETENCE
The scope of further vocational qualifications is 120 or 150 competence points and the scope of specialist vocational qualifications is 160 or 180 competence points.
Students who have completed a qualification are eligible for further studies. The qualifications’ general eligibility for further studies in universities and universities of applied sciences is decreed by section 37 of the Universities Act (558/2009) and section 25 of the Universities of
Applied Sciences Act (932/2014).
COMPETENCE-BASED STUDIES
All tuition at Vamia is competence-based. The training aims at producing competence that answers the needs of both the students and working life. Prior skills and knowledge of the students are recognized and therefore students can focus on acquiring the skills they do not yet have..
AND WHAT DOES ’COMPETENCE-BASED’ MEAN?
• The scope of a qualification or units is measured in competence points (cp). The number of competence points for each unit is defined by how extensive the competence is, how challenging they are and how substantial the studies are – all in relation to the entire qualification.
• Competence is not time bound. When a student has completed the targeted learning outcomes of a given unit, they can showcase their skills in a competence demonstration and move on to the next study unit according to their study plan.
• The student’s prior studies and competence must be recognised.
• The units and their implementation are planned in cooperation with working life representatives so that the studies match working life skill requirements.
• Teaching arrangements are planned so that units can be completed separately as independent entities. A unit is divided into smaller modules as best befits each unit.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Vamia’s learning environments are up-to-date and ensure great possibilities for improving vocational skills. The facilities are developed together with working life partners. Our learning environments include the institution’s facilities, online environments, workplaces and other external facilities when needed. The external facilities include the likes of the customers’ facilities worksites and different sports venues.
Competence demonstrations can be arranged within Vamia’s learning environments, if the environment in question is inspected and approved by a working life cooperation partner.
Everyone at Vamia contributes to a comfortable and inspiring environment for studying.
LEARNING AT THE WORKPLACE
Practical training at the workplace is arranged either according to a training agreement or as apprenticeship training. The training agreement replaces previous on-the-job training arrangements: The student is not in a contract of employment and does not receive any pay or other compensation. Learning at the workplace is planned one unit at a time. The students are mainly responsible for applying for a suitable job for themselves for each unit. Teachers will help in finding the right job. The apprenticeship is based on a fixed-term contract of employment (the trainee’s status: employed). The em-
ployer pays a salary to the student and can get financial compensation for organising the training. Apprenticeship training can cover the entire degree or one or more individual units. Boost timetables can be found here vamia.fi/en/vamiaboost
ASSESSMENT
Vocational qualification units are assessed per unit on a scale of 1 to 5 (vocational upper secondary qualifications) or as passed/failed (further and specialist vocational qualifications). Students demonstrate their acquired skills in vocational competence demonstrations that are arranged for each vocational unit. The students’ competence in vocational qualification units is assessed together by a teacher and a working life representative. Common units and preparatory studies are assessed by teachers on a scale of 1 to 5. If a student has not successfully completed the studies included in their qualification or if they wish to raise a grade, they have a chance to redo the part of studies in question.
VAMIABOOST
In VamiaBoost you can do your homework or undone tasks. You get help and support so that your studies can proceed. You can get more information about Boost from your teacher-in-charge, student counselor or special education teacher.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING POSSIBILITIES AT
VAMIA
For students in basic vocational qualification training, each student’s study path is designed according to their individual background and aims. In planning, we consider e.g. the student’s future employment, their plans and goals for further education as well as their hobbies.
STUDYING FOR DUAL QUALIFICATION
It is possible to acquire a vocational upper secondary qualification and do a matriculation examination in three years. A dual qualification provides a student with wider general knowledge for further studies. Completing a dual qualification is also a benefit in working life.
VAMK PATHWAY
During their studies, students can apply to join a further education pathway, arranged in collaboration with Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK). The students take up a total of 30 cp of higher level studies within their field of study (not applicable to all fields) while they are studying for a vocational upper secondary qualification. If the higher level studies are completed successfully, the students can continue their studies at VAMK without taking an entrance test.
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Students can apply for international exchange periods. Our international activities aim at strengthening the students’ possibilities of finding employment and succeeding in the internationalising employment market in Finland and abroad. Student exchange has many benefits; it improves a diverse vocational skillset, increases tolerance, improves language skills, supports lifelong learning and provides a possibility for employment. The competence acquired during an exchange period is included in the student’s PCDP.
SPORTS-ORIENTATED STUDIES, VAASA REGION SPORTS ACADEMY
The sports-orientated studies programme is a possibility for those students who aim at being professional athletes to practice their sport while studying for a vocational qualification.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FINLAND
A JA-company (NY-yritys/UF-företaget) is a business that one or more students set up and run for one school year. The business operates on real money just as an actual business would. The company is started up with a brainstorming session where students come up with their business idea. This idea is then developed further and the company starts producing products or services and students get experience in running a company as well as in sales and customer service.
ARTS-ORIENTATED STUDIESTAIKON-AKATEMIA
Vamia’s students can have their arts studies recognised as part of their vocational qualification. Those who study arts professionally can take up basic art studies while doing their vocational qualification through the arts-orientated study programme.
COMPETITIONS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There are various national-level competitions in Finland for students of vocational training and the students of Vamia can also attend these competitions.
Skills Finland
Skills Finland (Taitaja) is the biggest vocational education and training happening, where students compete for the Finnish Championship in over 40 vocational skills competitions. More than a thousand students attend the dozens of qualifying competitions nationwide. Over 400 students compete in the finals and tens of thousands of people join in the audience. Vamia provides further information on the competition during the school year.
SAKUstars
SAKUstars is a national culture event and competition for all vocational education students. There are events for works that are sent in advance as well as for live performances.
VARIOUS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING FOR VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The aim of vocational qualification training is to study an entire vocational qualification or one or more units of it. Vocational qualification training prepares for a vocational upper secondary, further or specialist vocational qualification or a part of any of the above. The training is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Students of further and specialist vocational qualifications, excluding apprenticeship trainees and labour policy students, pay a student fee. Training for vocational qualifications can also be performed as an apprenticeship.
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
Apprenticeship training can cover the entire degree or one or more individual units. Within this study path, most of the learning is practical and happens at the workplace. Students are to find their own workplace. The student has to work at least 25 hours per week, so part-time employment is also an option. During the apprenticeship students are paid a salary according to the collective labour agreement. All vocational qualifications at Vamia can be achieved through apprenticeship training.
LABOUR POLICY EDUCATION
Labour policy education is a form of training for vocational qualification that is offered to unemployed jobseekers and people who might face unemployment. The training is free of charge for the students. Students are, during their studies, entitled to unemployment benefits and a compensation for costs. The application process for labour policy education is organised by the TE offices (Public Employment and Business Services). Further information: www.te-palvelut.fi/te/en.
TUVA
Preparatory education for vocational training (TUVA) starts on 1 August 2022. TUVA education combines previous supplementary education in basic education, upper secondary school education (LUVA) and preparatory education for vocational training (VALMA).
TUVA training is for students with • no secondary education, • and who for one reason or another need preparatory training.
TUVA training is aimed at both students and adults who need skills and / or mentoring to transition to upper secondary education or vocational training.
The general goal of TUVA education is to achieve the study skills that will enable a student to apply for and complete upper secondary education or vocational training. Study skills can mean, for example, study / study language skills, suitable study skills and life management skills. In addition, during TUVA education, grades in basic education may be increased if it is necessary to obtain the desired training place. In addition to this, the student can complete high school and vocational education studies.
EDUVAMIA TRAINING
As a subcontractor for EduVamia, Vamia produces tailor-made vocational training courses. These courses are a form of labour policy education and must be arranged according to a supply contract. EduVamia purchases the training service from Vamia. EduVamia has information material for trainers on how to implement this type of training.
PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS
EMAIL AND INTRANET
All students get an email account, username and a password at the beginning of their studies. Student email, Vamia’s website and Facebook page are used for lines of communication between Vamia and the students.
WEBSITE vamia.fi
FACEBOOK facebook.com/vamiavaasa
INSTAGRAM @vamiavaasa
YOUTUBE Vamia Vaasa
vamia.fi/en/students
STUDENTA
Studenta is our student register system where students can keep track of their studies and see their grades. Students sign in to the system with their email username.
COLLABORATION WITH THE HOME
Collaboration between home and school starts when a minor student enrols at the institution and the collaboration continues throughout the studies. All units of the institution organise parents’ nights for the parents of new students at the beginning of the school year. Teachers and guardians of minor students can use StudentaPlus for communication. All guardians of minor students are given personal usernames and passwords to the system. Contact information: www.vamia.fi/en.
ACCOMMODATION
Vamia’s students can apply for an apartment with the Student Housing Foundation in Vaasa (VOAS). Contact VOAS: phone +358 (0)6 327 6511 or online www.voas.fi.
SLICE –VAMIA’S DIGITAL STUDENT CARD
As a Vamia student, you are entitled to a free digital Slice student card. It serves as an official proof of your studies at Vamia and you can use it in the canteen. If you have the right to eat, the meal will be credited daily with the Slice app. In addition, the card gives extensive access to thousands of student benefits across Finland.
Depending on your studies, the student card is either blue or green. The Blue Card entitles you to VR and Matkahuolto benefits. The benefits are not available with a green card. However, the green card entitles you to all other student benefits throughout Finland.
CERTIFICATES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF STUDY RECORDS
Students can monitor their progress through StudentsPlus system. Students can also get a transcript of study records that states what they have completed so far. At the end of their studies, students get a qualification certificate. In case the student does not finish their studies, a transcript of study records and a certificate of termination of studies will be given.
Students graduating with a vocational upper secondary qualification in the spring or at Christmas will be invited to a graduation ceremony. Graduates of vocational and special vocational examinations and TUVA will receive their certificates at events arranged by the teacher in charge.
INSURANCE
Students within vocational education and training (self-motivated education) are insured as is regulated by law.
Students within labour policy education are covered by insurance at school, at the workplace and on their way to and from school.
Apprenticeship students are insured by their employer, as members of staff.
STUDYING COSTS
Studying for a vocational upper secondary qualification is free of charge. Further and specialist vocational qualifications have a course fee (excluding apprenticeship and labour policy education). Students do have to purchase course books and other study material.
SCHOOL MEALS
We have daytime student cafeterias on both campuses; Appetito on the Hansa Campus (Ruutikellarintie 2) and Melinda on the Sampo Campus (Sepänkyläntie 16). Also, on both campuses students can eat their own food and snacks in lounges reserved for this. The students have access to a microwave oven, a fridge as well as vending machines for coffee and snacks. On the Hansa Campus, there is also a café (Namia) as well as a café/ restaurant Silveria (Ruutikellarintie 4). For the sake of cleanliness and to keep the environment nice and neat, eating in other school facilities is prohibited.
Vocational upper secondary qualification students can eat free of charge in Appetito and Melinda by showing their ID card. Students have the right to have one hot meal per those school days when they have contact teaching at their school. Students swipe their student ID card at the cashier in the cafeteria. The students have the right to a daily meal also when they are training at a workplace. The meal is paid for by the school and students can eat at either the workplace or a nearby school. A doctor’s certificate must be provided for special diets. Labour policy education students, apprenticeship students and the students who receive integration training benefits are not entitled to a free meal but get a discount on lunch by showing their ID card.
STUDENT WELFARE SERVICES
SPECIAL SUPPORT
In order to meet the set qualification requirements and targeted learning outcomes, students who require special support due to learning difficulties, disability, illness or other reasons, have the right to such support. Special support means systematic pedagogical support and special teaching and studying arrangements that are planned according to the student’s study goals and abilities. Providing special support is a part of furthering the student’s overall rehabilitation.
For students who receive special support it is possible to adjust the assessment criteria of competence for a vocational upper secondary qualification, to the extend the adjustment is considered inevitable when taking into account the individual study goals and abilities of the student in question. There are some qualification-specific limitations to the adjustment process.
The individual needs of students who receive special support are taken into account in all teaching. Special support aims at helping the student to complete their studies and acquire the vocational skills and knowledge listed in the qualification requirements. If you should have any questions about special support or your own studies, you can ask Vamia’s special needs teachers.
Contact information for special needs teachers can be found on Vamia’s website at www.vamia.fi/en.
GUIDANCE COUNSELLING
All students in Vamia have the right to sufficient personal and otherwise necessary guidance counselling during their studies. Guidance counsellors help the students to plan their studies, improve their studying skills, apply for further education and find employment. The purpose of guidance counselling is to ensure that students know how to study at Vamia, to plan their studies and commit to their studies. Students learn also to monitor the progress of their studies and seek support for planning their studies in case they need it. Guidance counselling pays special attention to the transition points and moving from one level of education to another. Particular attention is also given to those students who have difficulties in studying, are frequently absent or encounter problems with general life skills.
Contact information for guidance counsellors can be found on Vamia’s website at www.vamia.fi/en.
VAMIAGUIDE
Admission, guidance and counselling services VamiaGuide helps and guides new applicants with questions about applying to education and vocational selection. Students gets help e.g. career counselling and jobb search.
Contact information for VamiaGuide can be found on Vamia´s web site www.vamia.fi/en
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS
The primary task of school social workers is to support, help and guide individual students when their studies are affected by e.g. social or psychological problems. The aim of school social workers’ contribution is to ensure that students graduate as capable and motivated professionals. In addition to the individual work they do with students, the school social workers participate in enhancing the entire school’s wellbeing.
Contact information for school social workers can be found on Vamia’s website at www.vamia.fi/en.
SCHOOL NURSES / STUDENT HEALTH CARE
Student health care aims to support and advance the students’ health as a whole. During their studies, the students are entitled to the public student health care services organised by the city of Vaasa free of charge. Services are mainly provided by public health nurses and, where needed, also by a student health care doctor, a psychologist, a psychiatric nurse or a general practitioner.
Students of over 18 years of age have to pay a fee for doctor’s appointments at a public health care centre. Minors who live in Vaasa are also entitled to cost-free dental care. There are set fees for treatments and checkups for patients over 18 years of age. Residents of other municipalities can get dental care in Vaasa in urgent situations, but for other treatment and check-ups they have to contact their local dental care unit. Students or their guardians must inform the school health care and
the student’s own teacher in case the student has any substantial health-related issues, such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies etc.
This information is not transferred automatically between officials. Health information may sometimes be crucial for legal, occupational health and safety and other reasons.
Sampo (Sepänkyläntie 16), 040 145 2766 and 040 656 5332
PSYCHOLOGIST / PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Psychological services are arranged as part of student health care together with Vaasa’s public social and health care services. Services are provided by a psychologist and a psychiatric nurse. For booking an appointment, contact the school nurse, a doctor, your group’s coordinating teacher or the school social worker.
SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Student financial aid is meant to secure a student’s income during their studies.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID INCLUDES
• study grant
• provider supplement
• government guarantee for a student loan
Student financial aid is available for full-time studies, which means an average progress of 4.5 competence points per month.
FURTHER INFORMATION Vamia student office and www.kela.fi/web/en
SELF-MOTIVATED STUDYING ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT
Students who are over 25 years of age can study on unemployment benefit. Students have to contact the TE office for further information. When studies are supported by unemployment benefit, studying has to be full-time.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT SUBSIDY
School transport subsidy covers daily expenses of school transport. The subsidy is available only for full-time students.
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT SUBSIDY
• distance between home and school is over 10 kilometres (one way)
• school transport expenses exceed 54 euros per month
• student has to travel (one way) at least 7 times per week
A STUDENT CAN APPLY FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT SUBSIDY IF
• they are studying for a vocational upper secondary qualification
• they are doing a general upper secondary and a vocational degree as combination studies
• they are participating in preparatory training (VALMA)
For further information on the financial aids ask the Vamia student office.
SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
ORIENTATION
AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR STUDIES
GETTING TO KNOW THE COORDINATING TEACHER AND FELLOW STUDENTS
• Tutor students are there to help when needed .
• Class groups elect an elder among them and agree on basic rules for the group .
• Group selects a means for communication (e.g. a WhatsApp group).
FORMS, CERTIFICATES AND THE ID CARD
• Students who have applied through the joint application system check with their coordinating teacher, that they have handed in all the obligatory forms and certificates .
• Students who have applied through continuous admission fill in a form stating they confirm their admission.
• The coordinating teacher informs students when they will have their pictures taken for the ID card.
GETTING TO KNOW THE STUDENT GUIDE
• The guide material is read through thoroughly.
GETTING TO KNOW THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY ISSUES
• Learning environments and common facilities.
• Student office, Vamia Guide and e.g. the offices of the school nurse, the school social worker, guidance counsellor and special needs teacher.
• Safety walk, the school area and rules and regulations.
• The procedures in accidents and cases of illness.
SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
• The student office and guidance counsellors have the necessary forms you need for applying for social benefits (e.g. student financial aid and forms for the TE office).
STUDY MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
• The coordinating teachers tell their students what equipment the students have to buy and what is provided by the school (clothing, work footware, books etc.).
• Where necessary, students are given keys to lockers.
SCHEDULES, SCHOOL DAYS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
• The coordinating teacher goes through the weekly schedule and shows where you can find it.
PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCDP)
• Together with their coordinating teacher and, occasionally, a guidance counsellor, the students draft a personal competence development plan (PCDP). Information about prior learning and competence is included in the plan. Moreover, the plan should state how the student will acquire competence, what support measures the student needs and how competence is demonstrated. Students are also informed of the optional study paths for basic vocational upper secondary qualifications.
• Some students are asked to do a literacy skills test and other level test. Coordinating teachers will give further information on the tests.
• Students who require special support meet up with a special needs teacher who draws up a plan for support measures.
IDENTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION OF COMPETENCE
You can make use of your previously acquired skills as part of your degree. The task of the education provider is to investigate and identify the student’s competence.
Identification of competence based on:
• Your previous studies and/or diplomas, certificates of work experience, mapping your skills Recognition of know-how:
• The competence you have previously acquired may cover all or part of the degree, in which case you supplement and acquire the missing competence before the assessment, if necessary.
INTRODUCTION
TO THE VAMIA.FI WEBSITE, OFFICE365 AND STUDENTAPLUS STUDENT REGISTER SYSTEM
• Coordinating teachers give their students student.vaasa.fi email addresses and usernames to access the school computers.
• Coordinating teachers introduce the Office365, StudentaPlus and vamia.fi websites to their students.
• The guidance counsellor invites dual qualification students to an info session.
GETTING TO KNOW THE STUDENT WELFARE SERVICES STAFF
• Coordinating teachers inform their students on the schedule.
EATING AT SCHOOL
• Some of the students are entitled to a free meal on schooldays. You get further information on eating at school from your coordinating teacher.
• If you are on a special diet or have allergies, inform the school kitchen.
TRAINING AGREEMENTS AND APPRENTICESHIPS
• Coordinating teachers inform their students on on-the-job learning and on the training agreement.
• Coordinating teachers inform their students of the possibility of an apprenticeship in case the student is paid during their on-the-job learning period (e.g. an apprenticeship in the summer).
ASSESSMENT, IDENTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
• Coordinating teachers explain the assessment procedure and the basic principles of identification and recognition of prior learning.
COMPETITIONS
• Skills Finland - vocational skills competition
• SAKUstars - culture event and competition
STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND EQUALITY
• Student representation in e.g. the working group for equality, the student welfare team, the student council and the disciplinary board.
• Introduction to the work of the student council.
• Introduction to what tutor students do.
ORIENTATION
DURING YOUR STUDIES
RE-READING THE STUDENT GUIDE
• Coordinating teachers will go through the essentials of the student guide with their group when necessary, for example after a summer break.
PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCDP)
• Coordinating teachers take care of updating the PCDP’s with their students. Other experts can participate in updating the plan if so needed.
• Coordinating teachers and their students monitor the students’ progress of studies together.
INTRODUCTION TO THE OCCUPATIONS OF THE FIELD AND THE WORKPLACES
• Coordinating teachers organise student visits to the workplaces and for working life representatives to visit the school.
• Students participate in events that promote employment.
• Coordinating teachers inform students on the current job market and vacant positions.
• Students get advice on finding a job in a module called ‘Study and career planning capabilities’.
FINDING INFORMATION ON FURTHER STUDIES
• Students participate in info sessions and possible visits to e.g. universities of applied sciences.
• Guidance counsellors help and advice in matters related to applying.
FEEDBACK SURVEYS
• Students are asked to fill in feedback forms during their studies.
ORIENTATION
AT THE END OF YOUR STUDIES
PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCDP)
• Coordinating teachers update the PCDP’s with their students. Other experts can participate in updating the plan if so needed.
• Coordinating teachers and their students monitor the students’ progress of studies together. If there is need for it, the guidance counsellor helps out with planning how to complete the missing studies.
FINDING EMPLOYMENT
• Coordinating teachers / vocational teachers / guidance counsellors inform the students on the current job market and vacant positions in their field.
• In the ’Study and career planning capabilities’ module, the students draw up documents they need in applying for work.
• Students participate in events that promote employment.
• Possibly registering at the TE office as a jobseeker.
APPLYING FOR FURTHER STUDIES
• Guidance counsellors inform on the application dates and can help out with drawing up the applications
GRADUATION
• Students graduate within the schedule planned in their PCDP.
• Graduation ceremonies will be held for students graduating with a vocational upper secondary qualification in the spring and at Christmas. At other times, graduates will receive their certificates at times agreed separately.
RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.1.2024
VAMIA’S RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The purpose of these rules and regulations is to promote internal order within the institution, ensure the unobstructed flow of studies, and enhance the safety and well-being of the educational community. The rules and regulations are in effect within the institution’s areas (maps attached) during study times and events directly related to studies.
2. Students must participate in instruction according to their personal competence development plan.
3. Bullying, threats, harassment, and the use of physical violence are strictly prohibited.
4. Students must behave appropriately and follow these rules and regulations as well as the instructions given by the staff regarding teaching, occupational safety, and behavior. The institution respects fellow students and staff, and appropriate language must be used. Students must adhere to the guidelines on appropriate dress.
5. In their studies, students must follow good study practices. This includes, among other things, the prohibition of plagiarism. Adhering to agreed-upon times is also part of good study practices.
6. Publishing pictures or videos of another person taken within the institution’s area on the internet, social media, or any other public place without the person’s consent is prohibited if the person is recognizable in the images.
7. The institution’s property must be handled carefully. If a student damages or destroys the institution’s property, they must immediately report it to the staff. The student is liable for any damages caused intentionally.
8. The institution’s area must be kept clean. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and ensuring that any property of the institution that they have soiled or disorganized is cleaned or arranged.
9. Eating and drinking are only permitted in designated areas.
10. The institution is not responsible for property left in its facilities.
11. The institution’s property must not be taken outside its premises without permission.
12. The institution’s operations comply with general safety regulations, as well as fire safety and occupational safety regulations. Everyone must follow these safety and occupational safety instructions and use the personal protective equipment required for safety. Any safety hazards and work accidents must be immediately reported to the staff.
13. Students must park their vehicles in designated areas. General parking supervision is in place in the institution’s areas.
14. The institution’s computers and networks are intended for learning purposes only. Other uses are prohibited. The use of mobile phones for non-educational purposes during lessons is prohibited. If necessary, the student will place the device in a location designated by the teacher for the duration of the lesson.
15. Vamia is a smoke-free institution. Smoking, as well as the use and handling of electronic cigarettes, snuff, and nicotine pouches, are prohibited within the institution’s premises and area. Smoking is prohibited during work and study days, including workplace learning.
16. Vamia is a substance-free institution. The possession, consumption, or being under the influence of intoxicating or narcotic substances is prohibited.
17. It is prohibited to bring into the institution or possess during the study day any object or substance whose possession is prohibited by other laws and which can endanger one’s own or others’ safety or that is particularly suitable for damaging property, without an acceptable reason for possession.
18. Bringing bicycles, scooters, and similar devices into Vamia’s premises is prohibited.
19. The entire staff of the institution monitors compliance with the rules and regulations. Violations and their causes are investigated immediately. Teachers and the principal have the right, if necessary, to inspect a student’s belongings and confiscate any disruptive or dangerous items or substances.
20. The principal and teachers have the right to remove a student who is disruptive, violent, or threatening from the institution’s premises.
21. Violations of the rules and regulations result in a warning, written warning, temporary suspension, denial of participation in instruction, or revocation of study rights.
