In Sweden, you can study for a new profession in Finnish and improve your chances of finding work in other Nordic countries as well
- News
Utbildning Nord is a joint education provider in the Nordics that offers vocational education to jobseekers living in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The educational offering is planned for each academic year on the basis of the employment situation and competence needs of the three countries. The studies emphasise practical application.
Annually, the educational institute located in Övertorneå, Sweden, welcomes about 400–500 students from different age groups. Studying in an international environment gives the students a great chance to get to know the operating methods and labour markets in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The duration of the studies is determined on an individual basis depending on the student’s prior knowledge, work experience, education, and personal preferences.
Study in Finnish in an international environment
According to Principal Pilvi Ryökkynen, the international environment attracts a wide range of students, including young people, over 50-year-olds, and people looking for a new career. Even though the vocational institute is located in Sweden, Finns are able to study there in Finnish.
- Studying here does not require Swedish skills. A Finnish student studies here in Finnish in accordance with the requirements of the Finnish degree, Ryökkynen says.
According to Ryökkynen, the institute received a record number of applications in August. Many new students also started their studies.
One example I could give is that now that the pandemic is over, the restaurant sector has gone back to the top of popularity in our training programmes.
Learning a vocation through practice
According to student counsellor Antti Nuojua, the studies are intensive and practical. Students learn primarily by doing, and theoretical studies support practical training.
- The most important things are motivation and interest in learning something new. We build vocational skills through practice, step by step, says Nuojua.
While there are local traineeships options, graduates can also utilise their competence elsewhere in Finland.
Joni Ahonen found a new path in the care sector
Joni Ahonen was 55 years old when he started his studies as a nursing assistant in August. Prior to this, he worked as a housekeeping manager in the hotel sector and in customer satisfaction. Now, he hopes to find work with the elderly or people with intellectual disabilities.
His Swedish proficiency and interest in a multicultural work environment have also made him consider job opportunities on the Swedish side.
Although he has only just started his studies, Ahonen says that he has had a great time at Utbildning Nord.
- The first weeks have been excellent. I’ve learned many new things and I feel confident that I chose the right path, Ahonen says.
He thinks that studying for a new profession is worth it, even if it seems like a major decision at first.
- It’s always worth trying new things. Here, changing careers felt easy and motivating.
New education may help if finding employment is difficult
According to Employment Specialist Katja Jaako, a new education can be a good option if you are struggling to find work with your current skills or if you want to change careers. You can also apply for an education or training programme while you are still considering different professions and career options.
- Labour market training helps you update your skills, learn a new profession, and improve your chances of finding employment, Jaako says.
If you have not yet found your dream field, you can contact the employment services to talk about you options together. Career guidance and work try-outs offer help with career planning as well.
Jaakko encourages people to browse Job Market Finland to find labour market training options. One option is Utbildning Nord, where you can study a new field in a practical environment and learn about employment opportunities in the Nordic region.