Questions and answers on vocationa special needs education in Finland.
About the education system
1. How do vocational special education colleges differ from general ones?
Vocational special education colleges offer tailored teaching and support to students with special learning needs or challenges. They differ from general vocational colleges in that they focus on providing individualized learning plans and special services, such as smaller teaching groups, specialized teachers and instructors, and comprehensive support during studies.
2. Does compulsory education age of 18 apply to those with severe special needs?
The compulsory education age of 18 means that all youth, including those with special needs and even the broadest range of them, are required to continue their studies after elementary school. This can mean transitioning to secondary education, such as vocational training, special education institutions, or preparatory education.
3. Do students have to pay for food, accommodation, books, etc.?
In vocational special education institutions, students do not have to pay for food, accommodation, or textbooks. All basic study costs are covered by public funding. However, there are some fees for meals or leisure activities for those living in the dormitories.
4. Where does funding for education come from?
Funding for vocational special education institutions primarily comes from the state. Many of them used to be state-owned but were later privatized to third sector parties as trusts and foundations. In many occasions they are still considered as a public entities.
5. What kind of training do vocational SNE teachers have?
Teachers in AMEO colleges have completed a qualification of a vocational teacher and on top of that specializing studies on special needs education. If they teach an upper vocational qualification, they also need higher education qualification and work experience on that field. Teachers update their know-how with additional training in areas such as behavior management, learning techniques and digital solutions.
About students and studies
6. What kind of support needs or diagnoses do students have?
Students can have a variety of support needs or diagnoses, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), physical disabilities, mental health challenges, visual or hearing impairments, and other special learning or living challenges.
7. How do students get directed to us? How are they selected?
Vocational special education institutions in Finland participate in the same joint application system (yhteishaku) as general vocational schools. This system allows students to apply to multiple educational programs at once through a centralized online platform. Selection is based on the student’s needs and suitability, and the process may include applying, interviews, aptitude tests, and expert opinions.
8. AMEO institutions have dormitories. Are they boarding schools?
The dormitories of AMEO institutions (vocationa special needs colleges) provide accommodation for students, but they are not actual boarding schools. Typically dormitories are open only for study days and students travel home for weekends and holidays. Dormitories support students’ independence and life skills while offering a supervised and safe environment to support their studies.
9. There are two types of preparatory training. What is the difference between TUVA and TELMA?
The difference between TUVA (preparatory training for qualification education) and TELMA (training oriented towards work and independent living) lies in their goals and target groups. TUVA focuses on preparing students for qualification education, whereas TELMA specifically focuses on preparing students with special needs for work and independent living.
10. In Finland, a lot of studying happens in workplaces. How does that work in practice?
Workplace learning in Finland means that students complete part of their studies in practical job tasks at real workplaces. This usually occurs during apprenticeship periods, where students gain practical experience and can apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. These periods often include the support and guidance of a workplace instructor.
About work orientation and paths to employment
11. Do students get employed after their studies?
The goal is that as many students as possible from vocational special education colleges – especially those who have completed an upper secondary qualification – get employed after their studies. Supported employment services often play an important role. Employment can occur in the open labor market or in sheltered workplaces, depending on the student’s abilities and support needs.
12. Where do TELMA students continue after finishing their education?
TELMA students (training oriented towards work and independent living) are those with broadest need of support. They can still transition to various pathways, such as integration into work with supportive measures, or participating in work and day activities in day centers that support their independent living and societal participation. In some cases further studies can become possible via new sets of skills learned at TELMA education.
13. Can a student continue from a vocational SNE to higher education?
An upper vocational qualifications completed in general or special vocational colleges gives the same eligibility for further studies. It is not common but it is possible – and occasionally does happen – that SNE students continue their studies in higher education, such as polytechnics or universities, after obtaining the necessary skills and qualifications from the vocational special education institution. Continuing studies depends fully on the student’s personal goals, abilities, and support needs.