The role of the university in further vocational education

• Kauko Hämäläinen Helsingin yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33336/aik.96556

Abstract

ln this article the present situation in further education in the universities in Finland is investigated. The role of the university is clear in instruction leading to formal qualifications. Long-term education aiming at the full development of professional skills, as well as organizational development projects are common further education center activities. On the other hand, short courses aimed at keeping up professional skills are an area in which the role of the universities is unclear. The strength of the universities in the development of further education is new information based on research. Theory and practice should meet in the planning of instruction. Enterprise-specificity and internationalization can also be seen as clear lines of development. When present rapid quantitative growth in all probability comes to a halt in the near future it will be interesting to see what the role and significance of the universities will be in the field of further education. It is to be hoped that the centers will continue to be dynamic and constantly renewing themselves.