This text describes the basic features and training options of vocational education and training in the arts in Finland. It also explains the qualification requirements for vocational education and training teachers in the arts. The text is based on information provided by the Finnish National Agency for Education and the Ministry of Education and Culture, as well as on the requirements for vocational qualifications that guide the organisation of teaching.
Vocational education and training (VET) institutions offer upper secondary education and accept students who have completed comprehensive education. Their studies are also designed for adults who are already working and wish to gain new qualifications. The standard duration of studies is around three years. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for higher education institutions.
VET in the arts opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Within the VET system, students can complete qualifications in fields such as dance, music, music technology, piano tuning, circus arts, arts and crafts, media and visual expression, and stage and theatre technology. The titles and content of these qualifications vary between educational institutions.
VET includes vocational upper secondary qualifications, each comprising 180 competence points. In addition, more targeted qualifications include further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications, which provide deeper expertise in specific occupations. Further vocational qualifications consist of 120, 150 or 180 competence points, and specialist vocational qualifications comprise 160, 180 or 210 competence points. For example, students can pursue further vocational qualifications in music production, puppet theatre, photography or Sámi handicrafts, while specialist vocational qualifications include the training of museum technicians.
Professionals in stage and theatre technology work in theatres, opera houses, dance and theatre groups, concert halls and event production. The fields of specialisation within the qualification include puppet theatre, stagecraft, stage and theatre production, and theatre and event technology.
Studies in media and visual expression emphasise skills in audiovisual communication. Graduates of further vocational qualifications in media may work in media production, print communication, audiovisual communication and photography. Career opportunities can be found in municipalities, parishes, businesses or other media organisations, or as independent entrepreneurs. Those specialising in visual expression understand the media as an operating environment and may focus on areas such as graphic design, visual art methods and materials, or photographic production, including constructed photography. They also have special knowledge and skills gained from optional modules included in their qualifications.
Music studies are divided into three qualifications: musician, music technologist and piano tuner. Graduates can work in diverse music industry roles and understand the operating environment. They possess broad professional skills for both employment and higher education studies in their field.
Graduates of the circus arts training may work in the performing arts, including as a performer, a member of a production team or as a self-employed person. Potential employers include circuses, theatres, events, youth circuses, hobby clubs and cultural organisations.
Thefurther vocational qualification in arts and design includes several areas of specialisation, such as gunsmithing, silversmithing, engraving, gilding, goldsmithing, handcrafting, glassblowing, conservation of natural science collections, knife making, restoration, blacksmithing, interior design, musical instrument making and upholstery.
Dance graduates gain an understanding of the dance field, including key practices and actors within the industry. They know how to develop their technical and artistic skills and to work as part of a dance ensemble. Dance professionals can find employment in dance companies, theatre, television, film, the entertainment industry, tourism, advertising and circus arts or work independently as entrepreneurs or self-employed persons.
For more information about available studies, visit: https://www.ammattikoulut.fi/ (in Finnish). You can also find detailed information about specific education providers and training paths on the educational institutions’ own websites or the Opintopolku (Studyinfo) website by searching for the studies that interest you.
Some prominent art schools in Finland still operate outside the official national education and qualification system. These include Free Art School (Vapaa taidekoulu), Art School Maa (Taidekoulu Maa) and the Critical Academy (Kriittinen korkeakoulu). Despite their independent status, these schools are well known, recognised and widely respected in the Finnish art scene.
Who can work as a VET teacher?
To become a teacher in vocational education and training, you must complete 60 credits of pedagogical studies for teachers. If you aim to teach in VET, you can apply for professional teacher education, which provides you with the qualification to teach your subject field in VET institutions and potentially in universities of applied sciences as well.
In addition, Finnish legislation requires that teachers hold a higher education degree relevant to the teaching position, as determined by the education provider, and have at least three years of practical work experience in duties closely related to the content of the teaching role. In the arts, professional merit and accomplishments in the field may also be considered as part of the qualification assessment.
