Guidance about studies and work is given to young people in schools and educational institutions but also at One-Stop-Guidance Centres (in Finnish Ohjaamot) and in the Public Employment and Business Services (in Finnish TE-palvelut). Often, there is still a need to talk about study and work-related matters with youth workers. Covid-19 has raised the demand for supportive services as, more than ever, youth unemployment is higher, getting internships is more difficult and contact lessons (as opposed to distance learning) are fewer in schools and educational institutions. Also, the extension of compulsory education to 18 years of age has raised concerns among young people.
Where can I get work? What if I don’t get the study place I want?
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Sources of knowledge
As mentioned, in Finland, a young person receives guidance about choosing educational and professional paths in schools, in educational institutions, at Public Employment and Business Services and at One-Stop-Guidance Centres.
The Public Employment and Business Services offer both local and nation-wide educational and training guidance which is available in English online, over the telefone, at the office or by email, for example.
One-Stop-Guidance Centres (Ohjaamot) also offer a remarkable amount of guidance, tailored to the needs of the individual, in already 70 places nation-wide. Vamos of the Helsinki Deaconess Institute also helps young people towards school and employment in eight cities. Studyinfo.fi offers very detailed information regarding self-studies and educational possibilities, as well as the joint application process for almost all educational institutions at secondary level and in higher education.
At the end of 2020, Parliament accepted the extension of compulsory education until 18 years of age. This means that applying for the secondary level of education is obligatory already for those in 9th grade in spring 2021 and for those in that grade in the following years. A person’s liability to participate in education is enforced until a secondary-level qualification is finalised or the person is 18 years old. Information on this topic is available in eight languages.
SAK – The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions offers basic knowledge for employees on its website, in a section entitled Ground rules of working. There is information about how to find a job, types of employment contract, holiday and holiday pay, working time and breaks, payment and wages, and terminating employment. Additionally, there is a lot of other information about, for example, “well-being at work”. The material is offered in 13 languages.