ammattikoulun

Ammattikoulu is a Finnish term for vocational school. The genitive form ammattikoulun is used in phrases such as ammattikoulun opetussuunnitelma and ammattikoulun tilat. In Finland, ammattikoulun operate within the national education system to provide vocational education and training (VET). They offer programs across a wide range of fields, including technology, business, health care, social services, construction, transport, and arts and culture. Learning combines theoretical study with practical training in workshops and laboratories, and often includes work-based learning or apprenticeships in collaboration with local employers.

Programs typically lead to vocational qualifications such as the perustutkinto (basic vocational qualification) and the ammattitutkinto (professional qualification), with possible further specialization through erikoisammattitutkinto. These qualifications prepare graduates for entry into the labor market or for further studies at universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulut, AMK) or, to a lesser extent, universities.

Goverance and funding are primarily organized by municipalities, with state support. National guidelines are provided by Opetushallitus (the Finnish National Agency for Education), which sets the national core curriculum for VET and supports local implementation. Local curricula adapt national standards to regional labor markets, ensuring relevance to employers and industries.

Historically, Finnish vocational education has evolved from more fragmented offerings toward a unified VET system that emphasizes work-based learning, lifelong learning, and closer ties to industries. The system continues to modernize with digital tools, competence-based assessments, and international cooperation.