Example to support the development of a culture of democracy in Vocational Education and Training

Finland – Finnish legislation mandates that education providers promote a democratic culture

-Title: Finnish legislation mandates that education providers promote a democratic culture.  

-Country: Finland

-Topics/areas:

☒  Curriculum

☒  Leaners’ voice and participation

Key information:

-Intensity (time allocated to the activity): Continuous

-Focus (what does it aim to achieve): Understand how to interact in society and the importance of democracy for society

-Place of activity (VET school-based or enterprise-based): VET schools

-When was it introduced: Updated from 2016 (been longer in a different format)

-Impact (if evaluated): no longitudinal evaluation data

Brief description of the example:

These examples broadly reflect the prevailing vocational education policy. These are not individual policy measures, but rather a set of regulations to promote competences for democratic culture in VET.

The initial vocational qualifications include obligatory Citizenship and working life competence studies (9 cp). The national qualification requirements oblige all education providers. These obligatory targeted learning outcomes encompass competence in how to function as a member of society and a citizen covering fundamental rights, responsibilities, principles of equity and equality, and how to act as an active and influential citizen. These outcomes also provide knowledge about operating in the world of work, including the main principles of the labour market system, labour legislation and employment contracts.These skills are also integrated into various vocational qualifications in accordance with the needs of working life.

Safeguarding means of influence for students and student bodies (531/2017, 106 §). VET providers must ensure that students are empowered to influence the activities and development of education providers referred to in this Act and to participate in the preparation of decisions concerning students and affecting the position of students. en20170531.pdf (finlex.fi)

The goal of Student Welfare Services is to promote well-being of the entire study community and environment, cooperation with guardians and encourage student participation.

The purpose of the Non-discrimination Act is to secure equal treatment and prevent discrimination. The laws require VET providers to draw up Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan and Student Welfare Plans. The functional Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan must be developed and updated in cooperation with the staff and students.