A vocational education and training course will give you a vocational qualification. For example, you can become a practical nurse or an electrician. You can then go to work, or apply for further studies at a university of applied sciences.

You must follow the correct application procedure to study for a vocational upper secondary qualification. Most schools use the joint application system. The joint application procedure takes place twice a year: if your course starts in the autumn, you will apply in the previous spring. If your course starts in January, you will apply in the previous autumn. If you do not have a Finnish basic education certificate, you can apply through the discretionary admissions.

Many schools also have rolling admissions for those who have already completed a degree or who have acquired skills in the workplace.

For more information on vocational education and training, see here.

For information on courses included in the joint application system and the application periods, see here. 

For more information on school application periods and applying, including the application forms, contact:

• Häme TE Office; contact details are available here.
• school websites (see contact information under each school’s name)

Preparatory instruction and guidance for vocational education and training (VALMA)

VALMA means pre-vocational preparatory education.

VALMA is for you if you:

• don’t know after comprehensive school what you would like to do or you don’t have a school place
• want to improve your comprehensive school grades
• want more information about opportunities for further study
• are a migrant, know how to read and write and have at least basic knowledge of the Finnish language

VALMAPlus group is for you if you:

• need support in your studies and find it difficult to cope and manage your daily life

For more information on VALMA education, see here.

Tavastia Vocational College

At Tavastia Vocational College, you can complete qualifications such as vocational upper secondary qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications. Or you can complete a part of the qualification.
You can find more information here.

 Häme Vocational Institute (HAMI)

At Häme Vocational Institute, you can complete qualifications such as vocational upper secondary qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications.

You can find more information here.

Hyria

At Hyria, you can complete qualifications such as vocational upper secondary qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications. Hyria also offers vocational further education and training for attaining vocational competences. And you can obtain different types of competence certificates (e.g. the Hygiene Proficiency Card and the Occupational Safety Card).

You can find more information here.

Kiipula Vocational College
At Kiipula Vocational College, you can complete qualifications such as vocational upper secondary qualifications, further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications. Kiipula also offers further training courses for professionals in various fields.
You can find more information here.

Apprenticeships

You can apply for an apprenticeship to complete a vocational upper secondary qualification, further vocational qualification or specialist vocational qualification. An apprenticeship means that you will study the vocation in the workplace and the theory at the school. Apprenticeships are suitable for both young people and adults.
For more information on apprenticeships, see here.