Workplaces must be involved more closely in delivering VET in the wood industry

Most students in the wood industry field are adults and have completed at least a secondary level qualification. The field’s lack of attraction, especially to young people and those about to complete their basic education, remains a challenge. The key strength in the skills of those completing a Vocational Qualification in the Wood Industry is using the essential machines and equipment of the field, whereas for those completing a Further Vocational Qualification it is strong vocational competence and skills. However, there is currently room for improvement in cooperation between working life and educational institutions.

The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) has evaluated the competence produced by the Vocational and Further Qualifications in the Wood Industry and pedagogical activities in this field. The evaluation included all VET providers offering these qualifications. The achievements and competence of approximately 1,700 students were examined as part of the evaluation.

Cooperation between education providers and working life needs to be developed

In both qualifications, cooperation between education providers and working life has room for improvement in the area of work-based learning, and in the vocational qualification also in demonstrations. 

“Working life representatives should be more strongly engaged in planning students' work-based learning and demonstrations together with the student and the teacher. The proportion of demonstrations given in the workplace and working life representatives’ participation in assessing demonstrations should also be increased in the vocational qualification," says Veera Hakamäki-Stylman, Senior Evaluation Advisor.

Demonstrations should primarily be given in workplaces, and a working life representative should participate in assessing them. Almost one half of all demonstrations for vocational qualifications were completed in educational institutions, and more than a third were assessed without a working life representative present. On the other hand, a teacher and a working life representative are almost always involved in assessing demonstrations for a Further Qualification in the Wood Industry, and almost all demonstrations are organised in workplaces.

More emphasis on sustainable development and digital skills needed in VET 

The grades awarded for demonstrations indicate that the vocational skills of candidates for a Vocational Qualification in the Wood Industry are on average good. While the strengths of qualification holders' competence include skills in using key machines and equipment of the field, including CAD, CAM and CNC, some students also have shortcomings in these skills. The key strength of those completing a further qualification is vocational skills and competence in the field, which is visible as working efficiently and competence focused on the needs of the company. 

“However, students should have stronger competence in sustainable development and digital skills, as their role in the vocational skills will also be emphasised in the wood industry,” notes Paula Kilpeläinen, Counsellor of Evaluation.

Teachers’ and workplace instructors’ competence needs to be improved 

In both qualifications, there is room for improvement in teachers' competence specific to the vocational field and workplace instructors’ guidance and assessment competence. Teachers with up-to-date competence and workplace instructors with guidance and assessment skills are extremely important for ensuring high-quality VET that meets the needs of working life. 

“Changing needs of the industry, including CAD and digital skills, new technologies and sustainable development require teachers to update their competence constantly. Teachers' active cooperation with the world of work and regular professional development placements are good ways of maintaining and developing both parties’ competence,” says Paula Kilpeläinen, Counsellor of Evaluation.   

In 2023, a Vocational Qualification in the Wood Industry was completed by 174 and a Further Qualification by 120 students.  The qualification holders’ titles include joiner and sawmill process operator. According to the statistical service Vipunen, 22% of those who had completed a Vocational Qualification in the Wood Industry in 2020 were unemployed, while 65% were employed, one year after graduation. Most of those who had completed a Further Qualification in Wood Industry (96%) were in full-time employment or combining studies and work one year after graduation.

FINEEC will publish the results of the evaluation on 4 June 2024. The publication webinar will offer education providers, teachers and working life representatives opportunities for peer learning and the sharing of good practices.

Report:

Hakamäki-Stylman, V., Kilpeläinen, P. & Hievanen, R. Vocational competence and pedagogical activities in the vocational qualification and the further vocational qualification in the wood industry. Publications 14:2024. Finnish Education Evaluation Centre. www.karvi.fi