How to use AI in your studies

There are currently many open digital resources that can be of help in your studies: chatbots, AI services and AI tools that can be used to find information, explain difficult concepts or to help you with new ideas. Examples of these chatbots include ChatGPT (OpenAI), Google’s Bard or Snapchat’s My AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field with versatile AI services and tools. Chatbots can support you in your studies, and it is important to understand how to best use them. Chatbots can generate extensive and detailed responses, but at YA it is not allowed to use AI services in order to do the assignments that are part of your studies. It’s important that all assignments that you submit are your own original assignments, since they support you in your learning and prepare you to apply the knowledge you have to practical tasks at work. Responses that are identified as automatically generated with the help of chatbots may be rejected and a replacing assignment will be handed out.

You are welcome to use chatbots as a source of information, to understand and learn more about a subject. But do make sure you always write about what you have learnt in your own words and in your own way – your response should be personal and show what you have learnt. That way you will benefit the most from your studies and develop your skills and knowledge.

Also remember that chatbots are not fact machines. AI services use information that is freely available on the internet, but it’s the user’s responsibility to check the facts and refer to the right sources. Use source references according to the instructions you have received at school.

If you are using AI services or chatbots when working on assignments, you need to provide written information about which service you have used and how you have used it.

Keep in mind that even though chatbots are powerful sources of information, they should be used together with other sources and tools for learning and studies. AI services do not replace the guidance of teachers and workplace tutors, textbooks or other important learning resources.

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The path to a qualification

Today the vocational education and training (VET) gives you a lot of flexibility, allowing you to adjust your studies based on your needs and preferences.

In Finland we have extended compulsory education, which means that you are required to attend school until the age of 18 or until you have completed an initial or vocational qualification.

The purpose of Finland’s vocational education and training (VET) is to maintain people’s vocational skills and competence, and to ensure that everyone completes at least an upper secondary qualification. VET supports lifelong learning and students’ development as human beings and members of society.

APPLICATION

There are two ways to apply to VET, through joint application or continuous, rolling application. The joint application is for those who are graduating comprehensive school or those who do not have any previous vocational education. The joint application takes place each spring, while the rolling application is more or less always open (subject to availability of free spaces on the programme, please see the webpage of each programme for more information).

After applying for a study place, you will be contacted by the YA staff who will conduct an initial assessment of your application.

PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCDP)

After being accepted to a qualification you will, together with a supervising teacher, make a first draft for your personal competence development plan. If you have previous studies or work experience, some of these may be recognized. You have the possibility to learn your profession in various learning environments, at school or in the workplace through training or apprenticeship agreements. Education organized at a workplace gives you the possibility to acquire the professional competence included in the qualification by doing practical work. It provides an excellent opportunity to establish connections to work life, which can be valuable once you have completed your initial qualification.

The personal competence development plan will be updated throughout your studies as you acquire the competence required for your profession. You will demonstrate your skills through practical tasks in a competence demonstration.

FLEXIBLE STUDIES

You have the possibility to determine the pace of your studies, since it is based on your competence and how you choose to study. All qualifications include compulsory and optional units, and you have the possibility to combine units/content from your own field or other fields into your qualification. In other words, you can create a qualification that aligns with your personal, future plans.

Complementing a previous vocational qualification with new competence is organized conveniently within today’s VET. You can apply to a specific qualification unit and complement it with the competence that you need.

A vocational qualification is a solid foundation, whether you intend to work within the field, change career or pursue further studies at a higher educational level (universities and universities of applied sciences). The competence gained from vocational education and training will always be beneficial and bring joy, even if you are not actively working in the profession.

INITIAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

– shows that you have the competence and skills that the vocation requires. You get a broad and solid foundation within the profession.

The scope of an initial vocational qualification is 180 competence points (cp), including 35 competence points within the common qualification units. You will receive a qualification certificate once you have successfully completed all the required qualification units according to the qualification requirements.

FURTHER VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

- shows that you have the professional competence required of professionals and experts in the field.

You can continue studying within your field by completing a further vocational qualification or a specialist vocational qualification.

A further vocational qualification is primarily intended for those who already have an initial qualification or work experience within the field. By completing a further vocational qualification, you achieve the professional competence required of experts in the field.

SPECIALIST VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

- shows that you know and master the most demanding tasks in the area and that you have specialized expertise in your field.

A specialist vocational qualification is suited for people who have developed their professional competence and acquired broad working experience in the field after completing their initial vocational qualification. A specialist vocational qualification provides you with the competence and skills for demanding tasks within your field, as well as insights into personnel administrative tasks.

YA offers a wide range of further vocational and specialist vocational qualifications for those looking to continue their education after completing their initial vocational qualification.

OTHER EDUCATION

You can also complete parts of a qualification (partial qualification). You will find a complete list of other programmes through this link.

Short courses, certificate training, and a diverse range of further education services are offered by www.edunova.fi.

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Your individual learning path

Together with each student, we plan and implement an individual learning path based on the qualification requirements and the student’s goals, expectations, and preferences. The individual learning path is drawn up and documented in a personal competence development plan.

PERSONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (= PCDP)

When you begin your studies at YA, a personal competence development plan (PCDP) is drawn up.

The plan is drawn up by the responsible teacher together with the student.

The plan maps and recognises the skills previously acquired by the student and outlines what kind of competences the student needs and how they will be acquired in different learning environments. Students may have obtained relevant skills from working life, another school, international study, work placement periods, family and leisure activities or through the media. Previous learning is recognised and only the missing skills need to be acquired.

The plan also includes information on the necessary supportive measures. The support received by a student may involve special teaching and studying arrangements due to learning difficulties, injury or illness, or studies that support study abilities.

You will receive education and guidance in various learning environments that enable you to meet the national vocational qualification requirements. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills in competence demonstrations at practical work. You will participate in the education given and you will demonstrate your acquired competence in accordance with your personal competence development plan. (See Act on Vocational Education and Training 531/2017).

The PCDP includes, among other things, information about:

• The qualification you are pursuing and its content, units and sub-areas. Your career plan
• Identification and recognition of your prior skills, which are relevant to the qualification you are pursuing. Any guidance and supportive measures
• A plan for acquisition of missing competence
• Possible special support needed
• Possible studies that support study skills
• Information about training and/or apprenticeship agreements
• A plan for your competence demonstration; what it contains, where it is organized, and who organizes and assesses the competence demonstration.

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Identification and validation of prior skills

IDENTIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF PRIOR SKILLS

Identification and validation of prior skills and/or prior studies is a part of the student’s personal learning path and is reflected in the student’s personal competence development plan, PCDP.

If the student has previously completed studies, these studies may/should be validated both in the common qualification units and in the vocational qualification units.

Validation of previous studies means that the student does not need to participate in the qualification unit/sub-area, it is completed and assessed during previous studies.

An identification of previous studies/skills means that the student may have a part of a sub-area completed but that something is still missing in order to complete the sub-area and have it assessed.

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Course schedules

Common qualification units are offered in the form of course schedules. A course schedule consists of various subjects. The course schedules are selected in Wilma together with the responsible teacher. If you have validated previous skills/studies, you can select only the parts you still need in the course schedule.

For certain sub-areas, and for parts of them, there are online learning packages available for students upon request.

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Flexible studies

Vocational units are either compulsory or optional. The optional sub-areas/qualification units are selected during the studies.

Students can complete full qualifications, units of qualifications or sets smaller than units, or combine parts of different qualifications based on their needs.

Optional sub-areas/qualification units can also be validated and identified.

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How do I succeed in my studies?

Small things affect daily life. Here are a few tips for succeeding in your studies even better:

• Sleep. When you have slept around 7.5 hours, you will be able to cope better with both your studies and your leisure time. Prioritize sleep.
• Food. To have the energy to study and for leisure activities, you need fuel – which is good food. You will function better if you eat regularly; eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and have some healthy snacks in between. Avoid snacks with poor nutrition value and empty calories, such as soda, candy, cookies or chips.
• Exercise. Daily physical activity is important. Take the bike or walk when possible. A brisk half-hour walk can make a big difference. Add a couple of more strenuous activities to your week. Prolonged periods of sitting still should be avoided.
• Leisure time. Meaningful hobbies also help you cope with your studies. Do something that energizes you and gives you joy to cope better with daily life.
• Succeed in your studies. Active participation in school and during periods of learning in workplaces gives you excellent opportunities to learn new things every day. By engaging in your studies, you will achieve your qualification according to your set goals.
• Complete assignments on time. All assignments and exercises give you the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to pass your competence demonstration. This way, your studies will progress according to your personal competence development plan (PCDP). It is important to actively participate in both theoretical and practical teaching, including training provided during the workplace periods. Passing a competence demonstration is a step forward in your studies.
• Absence. Take responsibility if you have been absent. Check what you have missed out on. Ask other students or your teacher. Seek help and support with your studies from your responsible teacher or special education teacher at your unit if you find it difficult.

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Competence demonstration, assessment and grades

PLANNING THE COMPETENCE DEMONSTRATION

The planning of your competence demonstration begins after you, along with your teacher and workplace tutor, have checked that you have the competence required for the qualification unit being assessed. If everything looks good, you are ready for the competence demonstration. Two individuals assess the competence demonstration, often your teacher and workplace tutor (= the assessors).

Together with the assessors, you will plan when, where, and how you are to demonstrate the competence needed for the qualification unit in real work tasks at the workplace. You will plan which tasks you are to complete and when you are to do them. The teacher will document your competence demonstration plan in Wilma. If there is any aspect of the qualification requirements that you cannot demonstrate with tasks in the workplace, you will agree on how else you will demonstrate your command of the task, e.g., orally or through a presentation to one of the assessors. An alternative may be to demonstrate your competence at another workplace where it is possible to do so or by demonstrating it in another way you have agreed on. Common qualification units must also be demonstrated and assessed. Your teacher will give you more information.

CONDUCTING AND ASSESSING THE COMPETENCE DEMONSTRATION

The competence demonstration is conducted according to the plan you have made. You will follow the plan and demonstrate, to the best of your ability, that you possess the competence required by the qualification requirements. In the initial vocational qualification, the assessment ranges from 1 to 5 for passing the competence demonstration. What the grades mean is defined in the qualification requirements. In a further vocational or specialist vocational qualification, the grades are either “pass” or “fail.”

After the competence demonstration the assessors hold an assessment meeting and decide on the grade. They compare your work performance with what is required by the qualification unit requirements. After the meeting, you will be informed of your grade. The assessors will also want to hear how you evaluate your own competence demonstration, i.e., how you succeeded in relation to the qualification requirements. When the competence demonstration is passed, you and the assessors sign the result of the assessment, and the teacher will make sure that the grade is recorded in Wilma. If you do not pass the competence demonstration, you will plan how to learn what you were unable to demonstrate, and a new date for the competence demonstration will be set.

AFTER THE COMPETENCE DEMONSTRATION

In your opinion, have the assessors assessed you incorrectly or given you a lower grade than you believe you deserve when comparing it with the qualification requirements? In that case, you must notify the assessors in writing within 14 days, requesting a review of the assessment and providing reasons for why you believe the assessment should be reviewed. Your description should be based on what you did during the competence demonstration in relation to the qualification requirements for professional competence. After reviewing the assessment, the assessors will inform you of their results. If you still think that the result does not match your performance during the competence demonstration, you should send a message to the national working life committee by email within 14 days (their contact information can be found on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education). You should describe what you think is wrong with the assessment and why you should have received a different grade. Your responsible teacher will provide you with more information about the appeal process to the working life committee which will then decide regarding the grade.

If you have learned more in any qualification unit that has already been assessed and wish to raise your grade in that unit, you should notify your responsible teacher. You will discuss your competence and create a learning plan if necessary. The process of planning, conducting and assessing the competence demonstration as described above then starts. If you achieve a higher grade during this assessment, your grade will be raised, otherwise, your previous grade will remain unchanged.

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Collaboration with Novia University of Applied Sciences

If you are studying at YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia, you have the opportunity to take courses alongside first-year students at Novia University of Applied Sciences, already while studying at YA.

Students who have progressed in their vocational studies, are motivated, and wish to pursue higher education at the tertiary level, already have the opportunity to study at Novia during their time at YA.

The collaboration between YA and Novia opens doors between secondary and tertiary education, facilitating the transition. Through this collaboration, you as a student become familiar with the routines at a university of applied sciences at an early stage.

The path studies typically start in the autumn and are free of charge for secondary-level students.

Lunch is also provided free of charge during on-campus study days upon presentation of a student ID.

The courses the students complete at Novia can be identified within the optional vocational units and other competence. For more information about path studies, visit Novia’s website.

If you would like to hear about the experiences of previous students, you can watch these videos where they share their experiences of combining studies at the secondary and tertiary level.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact your study counsellor directly or through Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

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Apprenticeship and training agreement

Two paths – one goal!

APPRENTICESHIP

• In an apprenticeship agreement, competence is acquired or enhanced while you are in an employment relationship.
• Competence is primarily acquired at the workplace and in other learning environments if necessary.
• Is always planned together with the employer. You become an employee
• Suitable for all ages, min. 15 years.
• On average you work at least 25 h/week
• You receive a salary according to the collective agreement and may be eligible for financial aid for students.
• The agreement can apply to a qualification unit, parts of a qualification unit, or an entire qualification.
• The agreement is made between the student, the employer, and the educational institution.
• More information (in Swedish) and contact information: www.yrkesakademin.fi/laroavtal

TRAINING AGREEMENT

• Through a training agreement, you acquire or enhance your competence in the workplace.
• Is combined with learning in various learning environments.
• Is always planned together with the employer. You remain a student.
• Suitable for all ages.
• You are not in an employment relationship. Can involve 1–5 days per week by agreement.
• The employer does not pay a salary or any other type of compensation. You are eligible for financial aid for students.
• Training agreements are entered into for one or more qualification units or parts of them.
• The agreement is made between the employer and the educational institution and is communicated to you.

• Combine apprenticeship and training agreements according to your needs and possibilities.
• A flexible and individual way to acquire and deepen your competence.
• In both models, it is ensured that there are work tasks in the workplace that correspond to the studies, sufficient production and service activities, necessary tools, and competent personnel to provide guidance.

Any questions? Contact YA Apprenticeship services, email: Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

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At the end of your studies

In your personal competence development plan (PCDP), there is an estimated completion date for your studies. Discuss with your responsible teacher when you need to have all competence demonstrations and sub-areas within the common units completed if you wish to finish your studies by a specific date, e.g., to be able to participate in the spring graduation. On Wilma, we inform about important dates for graduating students.

Graduation ceremonies are held at our campuses in December and at the end of May or beginning of June to celebrate those who have graduated during the semester. If you have graduated during the semester, you register via a link posted on our website (under News and under the Academic schedule in the Study Guide), on social media, and in Wilma. Relatives are also welcome to the graduation ceremony. For some graduations, there is a limit to the number of relatives that can attend, and this will be communicated in connection with registration if applicable.

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Important dates

Here you will find the dates for graduation ceremonies and other special events at YA.

• Spring semester
• Autumn semester

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FAQ

WHICH COURSES DO YOU OFFER IN ENGLISH?

We offer the Practical Nurse exam with the competence area of Care and Rehabilitation for Elderly People in English. Please check the website for information on when this course is open for applications: Yrkesakademin i Österbotten - Practical Nurse

CAN I APPLY TO YA AS AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT?

Yes. However, our education is mainly given in Swedish so you will need to take and complete a Swedish language test at the time of applying.

Check the Criteria for acceptance to our Practical Nurse programme here: Yrkesakademin i Österbotten - Practical Nurse

HOW DO I GET A FINNISH SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

You will be issued a personal identity code when you are granted a residence permit or a residence card or your right of residence is registered by the Finnish Immigration Service.

HOW CAN I APPLY IF I DON’T HAVE A FINNISH SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

Please be in contact with Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den. if you don’t have a Finnish social security number.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN FINLAND?

If you want to stay in Finland for a longer period than three months, you need a residence permit. (Nationals of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland do not need a residence permit to come to Finland.)

You can apply for a residence permit in Finland if you have a job, a study place or a family member in Finland. Apply for a residence permit before you come to Finland.

For more information and instructions on how to apply for a residence permit please visit Migri.

Read more here: Guide for students | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi)

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A break or interruption in your studies

DO YOU NEED A TEMPORARY BREAK IN YOUR STUDIES FOR SOME REASON?

Discuss the matter with your teacher, who will contact your study counsellor if necessary. Together you will have a discussion and decide if you need a break in your studies.

You can apply for a temporary break in your studies by filling out an application via Wilma’s web interface for YA at: https://yrkesakademin.inschool.fi/. You log in with your username (numbers only) and password. (Applying for a temporary break does not work in the Wilma app).

DO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE WRONG QUALIFICATION AT YA? ARE YOU CONSIDERING TERMINATING YOUR STUDIES?

Discuss the matter with your teacher who will contact the study counsellor if necessary.

Do you need help finding a new qualification at YA or another educational institution? The study counsellor will help you find a programme that suits you. You can find the study counsellor’s contact information in Wilma and on the website.

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Study and career guidance

For those already studying at YA, the study counsellor provides information about validation of previously acquired skills, combined studies, the structure of studies, and different options available.

If you are interested in combining studies at Novia University of Applied Sciences during your studies at YA, you can contact your study counsellor. The study counsellor also provides information about further studies and application deadlines.

You can also get help in planning your career from your study counsellor. You can reach us at the email address Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den..

CAREER GUIDANCE

Feeling uncertain about your career choice? Do you want help in finding a profession that suits you? Our career counsellor helps you find a profession that suits you based on your personality and interests!

Jaana Blomqvist
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Phone: 050-373 7711

Read more about career choices and different professions here:

Services – Job Market Finland

Professional information - Job Market

INTERNAL TRANSFER

Not happy in your field of studies? Do you want to transfer to another qualification at YA? You can easily make an internal transfer without having to reapply. Contact your teacher or study counsellor directly.

CONTINUOUS ROLLING APPLICATION

Have you found your dream programme at YA but the time frame for the joint application has already passed? No worries! You can apply to YA at any time via the continuous, rolling application.

Application (yrkesakademin.fi)

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Our study counsellors

Do you have questions about studying at YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia?

Contact one of our study counsellors. You will find our contact details here. You can also reach us at the email address Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

On the webpages of each qualification you can also find the right contact persons to ask for more information about a specific qualification.

With the help of a study counsellor, you have the opportunity to plan your education. You can also get advice regarding your studies, their structure, as well as information about combined studies, further studies, and the validation of previously acquired skills. The study counsellors at YA also provide information about further education, job hunting, and career planning.

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Electronic degree certificates

How to save and handle the electronic degree certificate

We recommend saving the degree certificate to multiple locations to create a back-up file, e.g. on your computer, on an external hard drive, a USB memory stick or on a cloud service. Every unchanged, saved copy is an official degree certificate. It is convenient to save the degree certificate in a location where it is easily attachable to e.g., a job application.

Please note that you can print out the certificate on paper but in that case it is only a copy of the certificate. A hard copy is not an official certificate, the certificate is official only when it is in electronic format.

Do not edit your electronic degree certificate

Forging an electronic document is harder than forging a paper degree certificate. The authenticity of an electronic document can be verified through

https://www.yrkesakademin.fi/validation and various external services, e.g.:

• The Digital and Populations Data Services Agency: https://dvv.fineid.fi/en/validation
• The European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/DSS/webapp-demo/validation

Please note that if the document is edited after signing, the electronic certificate (signature) will be broken, and the document will no longer be authentic. An electronic degree certificate should therefore never be opened in edit mode because the electronic certificate will immediately be broken.

If the electronic degree certificate disappears

We archive all electronic degree certificates. If your electronic degree certificate disappears you can request a new certificate through filling in the form on our webpage. A fee will be charged for sending a new degree certificate.

Get to know Studieinfo.fi

All your achievements related to your studies are included in the national educational data service Koski (MyStudyinfo), which is an information/data source maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The certificate itself can’t be found there, but all your achievements related to your degree are entered into Koski and you can share them e.g. with an employer.

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Verification of electronic degree certificates

Verifying documents through the Atomi Validator service

YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia issues degree certificates in electronic format through the Atomi Validator service by Studyo Oy. The authenticity of an electronic document can be verified through the form on https://www.yrkesakademin.fi/validation and various external services, e.g.:

• The Digital and Populations Data Services Agency: https://dvv.fineid.fi/en/validation
• The European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/DSS/webapp-demo/validation

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Studies that support study abilities

Studies that support study abilities (SSS) is a support for students of all ages who need to strengthen their basic skills.

Studies that support study abilities are taught by special education teachers or other teachers. The goal of this support measure is to strengthen the student’s basic skills, such as Swedish, Finnish, mathematics, IT, and study techniques, in order to complete a qualification.

Studies that support study abilities are always planned individually based on the student’s level, needs, and goals and can extend the study period by a maximum of 6 months.

Students may be referred to studies that support study abilities if they need support with the Swedish language before starting their studies, if they have weak mathematics or IT skills that need to be strengthened, or if they need support with study techniques and life management in order for the studies to progress as they should.

Support for your study abilities can be provided at the beginning of your studies or during the vocational studies, according to the plan drawn up for you.

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Guidance counselling and support

GUIDANCE COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT

According to the Act on Vocational Education and Training (Section 48), every student has the right to receive the teaching and guidance necessary to achieve their goals in their studies.

SPECIAL SUPPORT

Students are entitled to special needs support if they, owing to learning difficulties, a disability, an illness or other reason, require long-term or regular special assistance for learning and studying in order to acquire the vocational competence requirements or key competence requirements specified in the national qualification requirements or vocational education and training requirements (according to the Act on Vocational Education and Training 531/2017 Section 64).

Special support means regular pedagogical support and special teaching and study arrangements. In practice, special support could involve individual and/or small group teaching. The duration and the level are adapted according to individual preconditions. Special support continues during any possible periods of online studies and during periods of training arranged at the workplace. If the goals set in the curriculum are not achieved in spite of the special support, the assessment can be adapted according to individual preconditions.

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Our special vocational education teachers

YA’s special vocational education teachers are available for students who need special support and for any other students who may need support and assistance during their studies. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help. You will find our contact details here.

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Our guidance counsellors

GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS IN THE DAILY LIFE OF A STUDENT

Our guidance counsellors are there for you to support you in your daily life as a student. Regardless of age, you are warmly welcome to turn to them with all your questions, big or small. You can receive support, advice, and guidance for various life situations. Do you feel lost or unsure of where to turn? Start by contacting the guidance counsellor, together you can discuss the next steps.

The counsellor is a fellow human being who sees and meets you as an individual in your daily life as a student, someone with whom you can safely share your thoughts and who’s there for you and supports you when you need someone to talk to.

Contacting the supervisor is easy, whether it’s meeting at school, via phone, WhatsApp, Wilma, Teams, or email. You are welcome just to chat or to share deeper thoughts, for example about:

• Well-being
• Setbacks and challenges
• Motivation
• Thoughts and feelings
• Crises
• Worries and sorrows in life
• But also about success, joy and happy times, etc.

Is there something on your mind or something you need guidance on? Do not hesitate to contact the guidance counsellor in student life.

You will find the contact details to our guidance counsellors here.

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Student health care services and school counsellors

STUDENT HEALTH CARE SERVICES

The student health care services works to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of students to support and maintain their abilities to study. They provide health and medical services for students and they work to promote a healthy and safe study environment in school. The student health care collaborates with other staff at school, parents or custodians, and authorities such as social services, the police, and substance abuse services.

Services provided by student health care include:

• Health meetings and health counselling for students
• Health care services
• Counselling on the importance of diet, exercise, and sleep to your health
• Counselling on sexual health and contraceptives
• Counselling on mental health and addictions
• Vaccinations
• Counselling before international internships/trips
• Regular assessment of the school’s sanitary conditions.

For matters concerning your health, development and well-being please be in touch. Parents or custodians may also be in touch. Contact details can be found here.

DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Through the student health care services, you have the opportunity to book appointments with doctors, psychologists, or psychiatric nurses. Contact details can be found here.

THE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

The school counsellor supports the students’ social and psychological well-being and works to promote and develop well-being and safety in school. They give advice, help and support with concerns or worries about the school situation, at home or in the student’s free time. The school counsellor works with individuals or groups and provides consultation to parents or custodians, teachers, and collaborative partners.

As a student, you can contact the school counsellor e.g. in the following matters:

• changes in your life situation
• if your studies feel too demanding
• recurring or unauthorized absence
• concerns about substance abuse
• difficulties with or concerns about friendship and family relationships, loneliness
• reflections about your identity
• bullying
• tiredness, anxiety or depression
• other problems and crises.

Contact details can be found here.

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Contact information

If you need certificates of studies or transcripts of your study records while you are studying, you can get them from the information desk or the student affairs office at the unit nearest to you.

Feel free to visit the information desk or student affairs office if you have questions or concerns! You will find our contact details here.

You can also contact us through email: Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

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More about International Services

YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia has been working systematically for over 15 years to develop and integrate international activities throughout the entire organization.

Today YA has an extensive network of international contacts, and many international projects are linked to our educational areas. We offer both students and staff the opportunity to achieve their goals in terms of personal development, training and work.

YA offers students periods or courses abroad where they can acquire a part of the practical professional competence required for their qualification. At the same time, there are unique opportunities to improve key competencies such as problem-solving, communication and cooperation, professional ethics, initiative and entrepreneurship, technology and information technology, and active citizenship.

International mobility periods provide students with an opportunity to learn and gain an understanding of international expertise in their own field abroad, as well as to strengthen language skills and social competences.

INTERESTED IN COMPETENCES WITH AN INTERNATIONAL TOUCH?

Starting from the autumn of 2020, we offer home internationalization through online learning. It will give you international skills and competencies through two optional sub-areas within the common qualification units (1 cp + 1 cp).

The courses “Samhälle och arbetsliv med internationell touch” (part 1 and part 2) are recommended for students planning to complete a period abroad or that are interested in an international work environment.

These courses, organized via Teams, are based on learning in a digital environment and include lectures, assignments, presentations, and language tests, as well as guidance in the form of on-campus study days.

SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONALIZATION

YA’s international development should be economically, socially, appealing, and environmentally sustainable. International contacts strengthen knowledge about YA regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Since its founding in 2009, YA has had a clear goal of knowledge exchange, international cooperation, and mobility. The annual goal for student mobility abroad is 8 %.

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES?

Students and staff at YA who are interested in enhancing their international competences may contact us at the YA International Services. International guests (students/staff) as well as organizations may contact us for more information and for discussing possibilities:

YA international Services, more information and contact details.

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Welcome to YA’s student union!

The student union works through the student organizations at all YA schools. All students in VET are automatically members of the student union. YA has an umbrella student union with a chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and treasurer. The student union’s mission is to promote collaboration between students, possibilities for influence and participation, and to develop the collaboration between students and school staff.

The student union takes initiatives to promote the students’ well-being, to act as mentors for new and current students, and to organize various events and thematical days. The student union also brings the student initiatives to YA’s management through its contact persons.

A significant part of the student union’s visible activities takes place through the school-specific student organizations. The student organizations have their own boards with a chairman, secretary, treasurer, and members.

You can earn 2 competence points (2 cp) through active participation in student union activities.

Would you like to know more about the student union’s activities? Get in touch with one of our contact persons here.

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Dormitories and student housing

At our campuses in Vaasa and Närpes, we offer accommodation at our dormitories during your studies at YA. The application for a place at the dormitory is filled at the same time that you accept your study place.

OUR DORMITORIES

The dormitory in Närpes, Campus Mosedal

Our dormitory in Närpes is connected to the campus and offers 80 beds. The apartments have a fresh look and can accommodate four people. The apartments have three bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room, a shower and a toilet. In your free time, you can use the dormitory facility’s two club rooms with TV, table tennis, and a pool table. You also have the possibility to use the sauna.

One of the dormitory apartments has accessibility features.

For more information, contact the dormitory supervisors here.

The dormitory in Vaasa, Campus Kungsgården

In our dormitory facilities at Campus Kungsgården in Vaasa, you stay in apartments with two, three or four rooms (two persons/room) with a shared kitchen. In total there are 176 beds. On the premises, there is Gläntan, the students’ recreational area where you can e.g. play pool, PlayStation, watch TV and DVDs, and use the sauna. There are also many communal activities organized. You also have the possibility to use the gym on the school premises.

For more information, contact the dormitory tutors here.

Student housing

See this page for more information on accommodation (rental) in Jakobstad and Pedersöre as well as more accommodation (rental and Vaasa Student Housing Foundation VOAS) in Vaasa.

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Your feedback is important to us!

At YA, we use versatile routines in quality management to identify areas for improvement and to ensure the quality of our activities.

By providing feedback as a student through the student feedback survey, we monitor how satisfied students are with VET and its effects.

Within secondary vocational education, student response is realized through the national response system Arvo. Arvo is administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education and apply to all education providers. The results affect the financing of vocational training. The response is given anonymously and no personal data is collected.

The educational providers within the secondary vocational education are responsible for collecting the feedback. The feedback is given anonymously.

The results are used to monitor the quality both for our own purposes and at the national level.

The feedback will also have an impact on the funding granted to VET.

The students’ engagement is considered very important for the development of our operations!

WHO PROVIDES FEEDBACK?

We collect feedback from students who aim to complete an initial vocational qualification, a further vocational qualification, or a special vocational qualification, or one or more qualification units.

WHEN IS THE FEEDBACK GIVEN?

The Arvo-response is done at the beginning and at the end of the studies. It is important for us at YA – Vocational College of Ostrobothnia that you respond to the Arvo-response and in this way make your opinion about the education heard. In this way, we can develop and improve in the areas where deficiencies may appear. The initial survey is completed when the personal competence development plan (PCDP) has been approved for the first time. This occurs at the beginning of the studies.

The final survey is completed when you are in the final stages of your studies and when you have demonstrated your competence of the qualification or the qualification units that have been set as goals in your personal competence development plan (PCDP).

You will receive the surveys through an email from the Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus):

Sender: Opetushallitus - The Finnish National Agency for Education - EDUFI (no-reply)
Header: Palautetta oppilaitokselle - Feedback to educational institution - Feedback to educational institution

Note that it is safe to open this message!

Give your feedback so that we can develop the vocational training at YA. Your opinion is important to us. Thank you for responding!

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Cooperation with parents or custodians, students in compulsory education

YA in Ostrobothnia has students ranging from 15 to 69 years of age, with the majority being over 20 years old.

In Finland, compulsory education continues until the young person obtains a vocational qualification, passes the matriculation examination or turns 18. This means that within YA, we have an extended guidance and supervisory responsibility for students that are in compulsory education compared to other students.

Your parent or custodian has a responsibility to ensure that you fulfil your compulsory education, and YA, as the educational institution, has a responsibility to monitor your studies from the beginning until the compulsory education ends.

This means that YA monitors the progress of your studies and informs your parent or custodian if the studies are not being conducted in accordance with your personal study plan (PCDP).

If you intend to discontinue your studies, we will, together with you and your parent or custodian, explore the possibilities of completing the studies in a different learning environment or the possibility of applying to another programme.

YA organizes information evenings for parents or custodians of compulsory education students at the beginning of the studies. During these events, parents or custodians have the opportunity to discuss with the teachers of the different qualifications. If necessary, opportunities for individual discussion are also arranged for you and your parent or custodian.

You and your parent or custodian will also have access to Wilma once you have accepted your study place. YA uses Wilma as the primary channel of communication between the school, students, and parents or custodians. When you turn 18 the Wilma contact for parents or custodians will cease.

If there is a need for a discussion regarding the progress of studies or anything else related to the studies, the teacher or someone from the school’s staff will contact you and your parent or custodian. You and your parent or custodian are also always welcome to contact the school’s staff regarding any matters concerning your studies.

The cooperation with parents or custodians is based on an open line of communication.

General tips and advice for parents or custodians whose youngsters are completing comprehensive school can be found in a brochure provided by Hem och Skola “Välkommen till andra stadiet” (in Swedish).

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Different types of financial aid for students

FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS

Here are some financial aids that you may be entitled to as a student at YA:

Financial aid for students: You apply for the entire study period at once, and you can apply starting from the month after you turn 17. You fill out the application for student aid in OmaKELA e-services (https://www.kela.fi/e-services) or on a paper form that you submit to KELA or the school.

Students need to apply for the school transport subsidy through OmaKELA e-services (https://www.kela.fi/e-services). To log in to OmaKELA and apply for the subsidy, you need your own online banking codes or a mobile certificate. Remember to make sure in advance that you have access to codes or a certificate. If you apply in OmaKELA, the subsidy can be paid out sooner. If you take the bus to school, you can purchase your travel ticket from most online stores that sell tickets as soon as you have submitted your application. The school transport subsidy can still be applied for using a paper form, which is submitted to KELA or the school. If you apply for the subsidy using a paper form, you will receive the right to purchase travel tickets only after KELA has processed your application.

You can read more about school transport subsidy, financial aid for students, general housing allowance, and the government guarantee for student loans on KELA’s website: https://www.kela.fi/students

Some students have the right to study with unemployment benefits. In that case, you make an agreement with your TE office before starting your studies.

Learn more about voluntary studies with unemployment benefits at: https://tyomarkkinatori.fi/en

Familiarize yourself with the different benefits to see which ones you are eligible to apply for. You can also reach out to the information desk or student office with your questions, and we will be happy to assist you.

STUDENT ID CARD

Students at YA can order a student ID card from the Swedish-speaking School-student Union of Finland (FSS). To apply for membership and a student ID card, you need a study certificate and a passport-style photo. See instructions and more info: Bli medlem – FSS (skolungdom.fi)

Remember to renew your student ID card every year!

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Financial aid for students in apprenticeship training

As an apprenticeship student, you may be entitled to apply for social benefits for students if you experience loss of income during the days you study in learning environments other than your workplace, e.g. at YA. Please note that you, in agreement with your teacher, should have established the dates for these days in your personal competence development plan (PCDP).

The financial aid for students can consist of daily allowance, provider supplement, housing allowance, and school transport subsidy. Note that you can only receive school transport subsidy for a round trip for one day per week, and the requirement is that the travel distance is at least 10 km (7 km if the student is in compulsory education) in one direction from home/your workplace to the learning environment (e.g. YA).

If the student receives wages or compensation for loss of earnings for the same period, they are not entitled to daily allowance or the provider supplement.

You will receive a notification about your right to apply for financial aid for students when you start your studies.

The application for financial aid for students must be submitted within 90 days after studies in learning environments other than the workplace have been completed. Several applications for financial aid can be made within the same apprenticeship agreement. The application is made through Wilma.

THE FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS INCLUDES:

• Daily allowance: 15 €/day as compensation for loss of income
• Provider supplement: 15 + 17 = 32 €/day if you have underage children to support
• Housing allowance: 8 €/day if you have studies in learning environments outside your home municipality or the municipality where your apprenticeship workplace is located, and the studies require overnight stay
• School transport subsidy for a round trip per week if the travel distance is at least 10 km (7 km if the student is in compulsory education) in one direction from home/your workplace to the learning environment (e.g. YA).

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Leisure activities and physical activities

VAASA:

The municipality of Vaasa offers many different opportunities for young people. Through the link, you will find more information about freetime activities for people who live in Vaasa.

https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/freetime/

The adult education centre Alma offers various courses and lectures that you can participate in to learn something new or meet new people.

https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/freetime/alma-adult-education-centre/

NÄRPES:

In Närpes municipality there are various sports fields, hiking and skiing trails, as well as an indoor swimming facility. There is also a wide range of cultural activities and many associations and clubs you can participate in.

https://www.narpes.fi/sv/kultur-fritid-och-unga

At the institute of adult education in Närpes, there are courses for all kinds of interests:

https://vuxeninstitutet.narpes.fi/information-pa-olika-sprak/english

PEDERSÖRE:

Within Pedersöre municipality, there are many ways to do physical activities. In addition to hiking in the forest there is an indoor football field, an ice rink, a skatepark and a frisbee golf course. At Kulturhuset AX, you can participate in various cultural events and lectures or visit the gallery.

https://www.pedersore.fi/sv/kultur-and-fritid/

Courses at the adult education centre offer many options for learning something new or socializing with others who have similar interests as you.

https://mi.pedersore.fi/home-en/

JAKOBSTAD:

Through the link from the municipality of Jakobstad, you will find information about the various sports fields, the indoor swimming facility, the ice rink, and the beautiful hiking trails in the area. Jakobstad also offers a lot of concerts, festivals and other events throughout the year.

https://en.jakobstad.fi/leisure-time

Jakobstad has a wide range of courses, lectures and events that you can participate in through Arbis.

https://arbis.jakobstad.fi/

FREETIME ACTIVITIES AT OUR CAMPUSES:

Frisbeegolf track at Campus Kungsgården, Vaasa

The gym facilities in Vaasa, Närpiö and Pietarsaari

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Bus schedule

See Matkahuolto’s timetables in the region:

https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en

For local transportation in Vaasa, see:

https://vaasa.digitransit.fi/?locale=en

Bus stop: Kuninkaantie, Platform/Stop Kuninkaantie S

PS! You can also use the mobile apps Google Maps or Apple Maps to get timetables for local transportation in the region!

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Lunch at the campuses

Here you will find the weekly menu at our campuses:

At Campus Kungsgården in Vaasa

At Campus Mosedal in Närpiö

In Pedersöre

At Campus Allegro in Pietarsaari

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Further studies and application

APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN SPRING 2024:

Joint application to education conducted in English and application to the University of the Arts Helsinki:

3—17.1.2024, 15:00 at www.studyinfo.fi and www.studieinfo.fi

For applications to other university education conducted in Swedish or Finnish, see information in Studieguiden and on www.studieinfo.fi

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Outreach youth work and youth workshops

Outreach youth work helps young people aged 15—29 to find the right services, sort out their life situation, handle practical matters, and provides support with appointments with authorities. The outreach youth work also offers personal guidance based on your own preferences.

At the youth workshops, efforts are made to improve skills to be accepted into a program of study or to complete a qualification, to enter the open job market, or to access other services that young persons need. Outreach youth work is always free of charge and entirely optional for you.

You can get in touch if you:

• do not have a study place, have interrupted your studies, are applying for a study place, a job or an internship.
• have problems concerning health, finances or addiction.
• need support in your life situation or with planning your future.

JOBCENTRE NÄRPES

Jobcentre’s operations extend from Kristinestad to Kaskö, Närpes and Korsnäs. There are two operating points, one in Kristinestad and one in Närpes.

Learn more about the Jobcentre.

KORSHOLM OUTREACH WORKERS

Korsholm’s outreach workers are available to young people residing in Korsholm. They are flexible and can arrange meetings in the young person’s home, school, downtown, or at their office in Smedsby.

Read more about outreach workers in Korsholm.

THE RESOURCE CENTRE FÖREGÅNGARNA

The resource centre Föregångarna manages outreach youth work in the following municipalities: Vörå, Vaasa (Swedish-speaking youth), Malax and Korsnäs.

In the youth workshop RAMP (for those aged 18—29), you can get support with studies or with taking a break from them.

Learn more about Föregångarna.

AFTER EIGHT

The outreach youth workers covering Jakobstad, Kronoby, Larsmo, Nykarleby, and Pedersöre are located at the Music Café After Eight in Jakobstad.

Read more about After Eight.

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Applying for jobs and summer jobs

SUMMER JOB

Do you want to earn money during your summer break? Start early with your application, you can start applying already after Christmas. Ask for summer jobs at various companies or search on the TE Services website, where you can specify “summer job” in your search.

Vacant jobs - Search with search criteria (TE-palvelut.fi)

Do you want to work abroad this summer? Then Nordjobb is something for you!

Apply for a summer job in another Nordic country:

www.nordjobb.net

Summer jobs in Finnish, search here:

Kesätyö | Parhaat ohjeet ja vinkit työnhakuun| Kun koulu loppuu

APPLYING FOR A JOB

When you are looking for a job, having a CV can be to your advantage. A CV is a brief description of yourself, your education, and what you are good at.

You can find tips online on creating a CV and on websites such as:

Write a job application and a CV - TE-Palvelut

How to write a good application and CV? - Hanken

Today it’s easy to apply for jobs online. On the job services you can choose e.g. profession and region. You can apply for a job through these links:

TE Office (Employment and Economic Development Office:)

Vacant jobs - Search with search criteria (TE-palvelut.fi)

Vacant jobs within the municipal sector:

Kuntarekry - Open positions in municipalities and cities

Work in the Swedish-speaking Finland, search for jobs here:

Jobben.fi - Vacant jobs (vasabladet.fi)

Work in the Nordic countries, search for jobs here:

www.nordjobb.net

Work in Sweden, apply for a job here:

Arbetsförmedlingen

Work in Europe, apply for a job here:

EURES - Find a job - European commission

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YA’s principles for safer spaces

Equality, equal worth, and mutual respect are the foundation for EVERYONE to feel involved, included, and safe at YA Vocational College of Ostrobothnia.

To reach this goal we have together created some common principles for safer spaces to be followed by everyone that participate in activities on YA’s premises. If these principles are not followed we need to intervene.

A safer space is a physical or digital space that is accessible and provides those using the space with a sense of physical, mental, and social safety, i.e. there must be no discrimination, no bullying, no harassment, no violence. We actively prevent and intervene in situations where this occurs.

Our principles for safer spaces:

• We allow everyone to have the opportunity to speak and be heard in discussions, we listen and do not talk over each other.
• We use language that is understandable to everyone and avoid expressing ourselves aggressively.
• We respect others’ opinions and their right to be themselves.
• We try not to make assumptions about each other’s gender, sexuality, background, nationality nor functional capacity.
• All forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination are prohibited, we do not harass anyone neither verbally nor by touching or staring at them.
• We encourage the participants to reach out to the organizer of the event if they themselves or anyone else needs help.

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General rules and regulations

In every place where two or more people meet, certain rules should be followed for a functioning collaboration. Everyone at YA has the right to be treated in a respectful, correct, and equal manner. We distance ourselves from all forms of violence, bullying and harassment. The objective of YA’s rules and regulations is to create conditions for well-being, a peaceful atmosphere and a safe environment for study and work.

These rules and regulations apply to all students at YA:

1. Students shall perform their tasks conscientiously and conduct themselves properly. Students shall follow given instructions regarding safety, occupational health, and working hours, dress appropriately, and have the agreed-upon equipment with them.
2. If there is no justified reason for absence, students shall participate in teaching and competence demonstrations in accordance with their personal competence development plan.
3. Mobile tools may be used in teaching according to the teacher’s instructions.
4. Everyone at YA is responsible for keeping areas, spaces, and equipment in good order. Any damage that occurs should be reported to a staff member. Anyone intentionally or carelessly damaging the furnishings or other property is responsible and liable for compensation in accordance with the tort liability act.
5. Bullying, violence, and harassment are not allowed. Material that is personally offensive must not be distributed or spread.
6. Possession of dangerous and prohibited items is not allowed on the YA premises. Prohibited objects or substances refer to objects and substances that, according to the law, may not be possessed or which can endanger someone’s safety. Similarly, one may not possess items that can easily damage property without an acceptable reason.
7. On the YA premises it is not allowed to possess, use or be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other intoxicating substances.
8. The YA school premises are smoke-free. Prohibited tobacco products also include e-cigarettes.
9. Cheating in study performance is prohibited and leads to failed performance and a possible written warning.
10. Bicycles and motor vehicles are parked in designated places. Caution is observed while driving on the YA premises, and the traffic rules are followed.

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If you feel offended, bullied, discriminated against or harassed

Students have the right to a safe learning environment!

(according to the act on Vocational Education and Training 531/2017, Section 80)

YA has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment, bullying, insulting treatment, discrimination, or violence. Every student who feels singled out in an offensive manner has the right to receive the help and support needed to stop the offensive treatment. YA will promptly implement necessary actions.

If you feel offended, harassed, discriminated against or bullied, contact your teacher immediately. It is not worthwhile to wait, it is best to clear up the situation as soon as possible.

OFFENSIVE TREATMENT

Offensive treatment is often a precursor to bullying and should not be tolerated.

Examples of offenses include mockery, unkindness, insults, defamation, spreading rumours, deliberate sabotage, facial expressions and offensive body language, ostracism, sexual harassment, racism, and discrimination.

BULLYING

Bullying is deliberate and repeated actions aimed at a person who finds it difficult to defend themselves and is often in a weaker power position compared to the bully.

The fact that the actions are repeated means that it is the same person who is systematically subjected to these actions over an extended period. Bullying can continue for years and can extend across school levels. Deliberateness means that the actions are intended to cause harm.

Bullying can occur in several ways: physical bullying, verbal bullying, psychological bullying (e.g., ignoring, excluding, excluding from a community), cyberbullying (e.g., on social media), gender-related bullying, sexual harassment and other forms (e.g. ordering goods, making applications, writing articles and personal ads in the bullied person’s name, spreading the bullied person’s contact information, stealing the bullied person’s identity online).

HARASSMENT

Harassment is an act that violates someone’s dignity. It can involve comments, derogatory jokes, gestures or ostracism.

DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination means being treated unfairly or being subjected to harassment.

MEASURES TO PREVENT BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT

It is important to prevent all forms of offensive treatment, bullying, discrimination, and harassment. Such behaviour is not as common in places where people are comfortable and feel safe. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to contribute to creating an atmosphere where we accept and respect each other and emphasize everyone’s equal value.

Offensive treatment, harassment, and bullying behaviour are serious issues. It often affects more than one person, even the entire class. Everyone in the school community has a responsibility to report if they see, hear, or become aware of such situations.

If you feel offended, harassed, discriminated against or bullied, contact your teacher immediately. It is not worthwhile to wait, it is best to clear up the situation as soon as possible.

ACTIONS AGAINST BULLYING

When information about bullying, offensive treatment, harassment, or discrimination is received, the supervising teacher, and e.g. study counsellor, healthcare professional, educational director, and/or other teacher/staff form a working group. The group’s task is to work together with all parties to clarify what has happened and determine what concrete actions are needed to stop the bullying/offensive treatment. An agreement is made about what is expected in the future from the parties involved. The action group continues to follow up on the case, contacts the homes (if the parties are under 18), and may also take to disciplinary actions if necessary.

Certain cases of bullying may be criminal offenses, in which case a police report can be filed, and the case will be subject to police investigation.

ACTION PLAN AGAINST OFFENSIVE TREATMENT, BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT

YA – Vocational College of Ostrobothnia has drawn up a plan to protect you as a student from insulting treatment, bullying, discrimination, and harassment. The plan describes measures to prevent bullying and how the staff intervenes in such situations. The entire action plan is internally available for the staff to use, but the main points that you as a student need to know are described above.

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Dormitory rules

Living in the dormitory is a free-of-charge benefit that can be granted to full-time students at YA. As a resident in the dormitory, you are expected to follow the rules and regulations and participate in classes.

The rules and regulations in the dormitory apply not only to you but also to your guests. You are obligated to inform your guests about the dormitory’s rules and regulations and safety procedures.

The plan for using disciplinary measures and procedures is applied in cases of violations of the rules and regulations. If you are suspended or expelled from your studies, you will also lose the right to a dormitory place for the corresponding time.

RULES:

1. Everyone has the right to be treated in a respectful, proper and equal manner. We neither bully, harass nor use violence in any situation.
2. To provide a peaceful and quiet learning environment and an opportunity for sufficient rest, there is silence both indoors and outdoors every day between 22:00 and 7:00.
3. During the daytime, only residents of the dormitory are allowed in their apartment/room. You’re allowed to have visitors between 17:00 and 22:00.
4. You are not allowed to stay at the dormitory during the weekends between Friday at 17:00 o’clock and Sunday at 17:00 o’clock or during other breaks/holidays. If you have a long commute to school or for any other reason need to stay at the dormitory during weekends, you must request permission from the dormitory staff.
5. You are responsible for keeping your room and the common area of the apartment in the condition they were when you moved in. You are not allowed to make holes in the walls or cause damage to the property, furniture, or furnishings in any way.
6. If you discover any faults or deficiencies in the room or apartment, you must report this immediately to the dormitory staff when you receive your accommodation or as soon as damages occur. If you damage something you must reimburse the cost. Similarly, you are liable for reimbursement if you lose your dormitory key.
7. You are responsible for ensuring that the spaces you dispose of are clean (your room as well as the kitchen, hallway, toilet, and shower). Cleaning is checked on a weekly basis.
8. When you move out, you are responsible for the final cleaning of the spaces you have used. If the final cleaning is not done, you will be billed for it.
9. For safety reasons you are not allowed to have dangerous or legally prohibited items in the dormitory. Prohibited items and substances include for example weapons, ammunition, flammable liquids.
10. Due to the risk of fire, you are not allowed to have candles in the dormitory.
11. You are not allowed to smoke, neither tobacco, e-cigarettes, nor other tobacco products, in the dormitory or on the school premises.
12. The YA dormitory is free of intoxicating substances. This means that you are not allowed to have or use alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants. You are not allowed to be under the influence of intoxicants in the dormitory or on the school premises.
13. When driving on the YA premises, be cautious and remember to observe safety and follow speed limits and other traffic rules. Parking only in designated areas.
14. You are not allowed to have pets in the dormitory.

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Disciplinary actions

PLAN FOR THE USE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES

PLAN FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

According to our policy, we aim to create the best conditions for our students to achieve their individual goals. We want our students to study in an inspiring environment where we respect each other and show consideration. We want to establish a safe learning environment with peace and quiet for all students.

In accordance with the Act on Vocational Education and Training (531/2017), educational institutions must develop a plan for disciplinary measures and the corresponding procedures. The plan for disciplinary measures is prepared in accordance with the National Agency for Education’s regulation OPH-286-2018. In addition to the plan for disciplinary measures, YA also has rules and regulations to clarify what is allowed within the school’s operations.

1. RIGHT TO A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

According to the law, students have the right to a safe learning environment. In a safe learning environment, the student need not be afraid of harassment or violence. YA has adopted a plan of action against offensive treatment and bullying. The plan of action outlines preventive measures and how to intervene in situations involving bullying.

To ensure a safe and secure learning environment, no prohibited items or substances may be brought to YA. Prohibited items or substances refer to items and substances that are not allowed by law to be possessed or those that may compromise someone’s safety. Without a valid reason, individuals are not allowed to carry items that can easily cause damage to property.

To guarantee the right to a physically safe learning environment, teaching staff have the right to confiscate prohibited items. Likewise, the principal and teachers have the right to inspect the student’s belongings in case of obvious possession of prohibited items. When an item is confiscated without the student’s consent and when the student’s belongings are inspected, the teacher is encroaching on the student’s privacy. Therefore, such action should only be taken when absolutely necessary. These measures should be necessary to ensure a safe learning environment and used only when all other milder means have been exhausted.

1.1 THE RIGHT TO CONFISCATE ITEMS OR SUBSTANCES

During the workday the teacher has the right to, by themself or with a colleague, confiscate a student’s prohibited item or substance.

If the student attempts to prevent confiscation by resisting, the teacher has the right to use the necessary coercive measures, after having done a careful assessment. In such situations, assistance from a colleague should be sought if possible. The student’s age and the level of threat or seriousness of the resistance must be taken into consideration in the assessment. The right to use coercive measures only applies in respect of items and substances that pose a risk to the student’s own safety or that of others. Coercive measures refer to an action involving physical strength, such as restraining the student. Implements of force, i.e. a tool that intensifies the coercive measures, must never be used. If the teacher deems it unsafe to act, the police should be contacted.

1.2 THE RIGHT TO INSPECT THE STUDENT’S BELONGINGS

If it is evident that a student possesses dangerous items or substances that could jeopardize the safety of others and if the student refuses to surrender them despite requests, the teacher and the principal have the right to inspect the belongings of the student as well as the storage spaces in the school available to the student in order to confiscate the item or substance. The teacher and principal may also perform a superficial inspection of the student’s clothing. The student should be given the reason for the inspection before it is carried out. The discretion required by the circumstances should be observed during the inspection.

The inspection can only be carried out by a person of the same gender as the student. During the inspection, another staff member should be present if possible, as well as a staff member chosen by the student. This is to try to make the situation less threatening for the student. If the situation is urgent for safety reasons, the inspection can be conducted without meeting these conditions.

Inspections of a student and the confiscation of items and substances are registered in Wilma. If the student is a minor, the parent or custodian must be informed of these measures as soon as possible. If the principal or a teacher has used coercive measures, a written account of the incident must be provided to the director. If coercive measures are used by a teacher, the report is also given to the principal for their information.

Items and substances that have been confiscated should be handed over to the student’s parent or custodian, or to the student if they are of legal age, at the end of the school day. The items and substances shall be held in safekeeping before they are handed over. If the parent or custodian does not collect the item or substance within three months of being notified of the confiscation, it can demonstrably be destroyed. Handover and destroying of items and substances are recorded in Wilma.

Any confiscated drugs, firearms, weapon components, cartridges, rounds, gas sprays, and explosives shall be turned over to the police immediately given their hazardous nature.

The rights and obligations outlined in this section also apply during the period when a student participates in training or other activities compatible with their personal competence development plan.

2. RIGHT TO PEACE AND QUIET

We create peace at work by showing each other consideration, respect, and by following YA’s rules and regulations. Peace and quiet is disrupted, for example, when students disrupt teaching, behave inappropriately, exhibit violent or threatening behaviour, or otherwise violate the rules and regulations.

The methods used by teachers to maintain peace and quiet are primarily preventive, but disciplinary measures may be necessary to resolve disruptive situations. Removing students from classes who behave disruptively or endanger safety can be a first measure to restore peace and quiet in the learning environment.

When using disciplinary measures, general principles of legal certainty must be considered. The punishment must be based on objective, generally accepted, and factual reasons. The use of both rewards and discipline must be consistent and equal for all. For identical actions, regardless of the identity of the student, the same measures must be taken, although repeated actions may be considered more severe. Discipline must not be used for the purpose of revenge or humiliation. The disciplinary actions should be proportionate to the offense.

2.1 REMOVAL FROM TEACHING

A student who disrupts teaching, behaves violently or threateningly, or jeopardizes someone’s health or safety may be asked to leave the room where the teaching is taking place for the remaining time of the lesson. This applies to all learning environments.

If a student does not comply with the request to leave, the teacher has the right, by themself or together with a colleague, to remove him or her from the learning environment.

If a student who has been asked to leave is resisting, the teacher has the right, after a careful assessment, to use such coercive measures as are necessary to remove the student. In these situations, assistance from a colleague should be sought if possible. The student’s age and the level of threat or seriousness of the resistance must be taken into consideration in the assessment. Coercive measures may, in this case, be to calm down a student who behaves violently or threateningly, by restraining the student and moving him or her away from the situation. Intervention in a student’s personal integrity to immediately ensure the safety of other students is only allowed in exceptional situations when other measures have proven ineffective. The use of implements of force to remove students is prohibited. If the principal or a teacher has used coercive measures, a written account of the incident is given to the director. If coercive measures are used by a teacher, the report is also given to the principal for their information.

When a student is asked to leave a lesson or is denied teaching, the teacher will register it in Wilma.

2.2 WARNING

According to the Act on Vocational Education and Training, a student must perform his or her duties conscientiously and behave properly. If a student disrupts the teaching, behaves violently or threateningly, engages in cheating, or otherwise violates the rules and regulations, they may receive a written warning.

A warning may also be given if a student refuses to provide a drug test certificate under section 84 of the Act on Vocational Education Act or if, according to an investigation referred to in section 84, a student has used drugs for purposes other than medical ones, leading to impaired performance.

2.3 SUSPENSION FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD

If a student continues to behave improperly after receiving a written warning, or if the act or neglect is serious, the student may be suspended from the educational institution for a certain period, up to one year. However, a student who is subject to compulsory education under the Act on Compulsory Education may be suspended for a maximum of three months. If a student subject to compulsory education is suspended, a plan for fulfilling the compulsory education should be prepared together with the student and the parents or custodians. In accordance with the plan, the compulsory education must be furthered independently or in other learning environments than at the educational institution or workplace. A student subject to compulsory education has the right to receive such education and guidance that enables progress in accordance with the plan.

2.4 DENIAL OF THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN INSTRUCTION

A student may be banned from attending instruction for a maximum of three school days if there is a risk that the safety of a fellow student or other person working in the educational institution or premises in which instruction is provided is under threat by the violent or aggressive behaviour of such a student. This also applies if he or she displays disruptive behaviour so as to inordinately complicate instruction and related activities.

If a student stays on the school premises in spite of being instructed to leave, the teacher has the right, by themself or together with a colleague, to remove him or her from the school premises.

If a student refuses to undergo checks and examinations under section 82 (1) of the Act on Vocational Education and Training for the determination of his or her health condition, the student may be prevented from studying until he or she consents to undergo the necessary examinations. A student who refuses to provide an extract of entries on him or her in the criminal records under section 82 (4), his or her right to study may be withheld until he or she consents to present the extract.

3. DISCIPLINE IN DORMITORIES

To promote a safe and pleasant living environment, separate rules and regulations apply to the dormitory. If students violate these rules and regulations, disciplinary measures may follow. In the first instance, a warning is given to the student, but if the student continues to behave improperly after receiving a written warning, or if the act or neglect is serious, the student may be suspended from the dormitory for a certain period or for the remaining duration of the studies.

4. DISTRIBUTION OF ENFORCEMENT IN DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Decisions on a written warning to a student, termination of accommodation at the dormitory, and suspension for a certain period for up to three months are made by the principal. Decisions on revocation and reinstatement of the right to study, as well as on suspension from studies for over three months, are made by the disciplinary committee.

Before a decision on a written warning, suspension from the educational institution or dormitory is made, a relevant investigation must be carried out, and the act that caused the punishment must be specified for the student. Students must be heard, and if the student is a minor, the parent or custodian must also be heard.

Before a decision on the revocation of the right to study is made, relevant expert investigations and other investigations must be obtained, and students must be heard. If the student is a minor, the parents or custodians must also be heard.

4.1 OBLIGATION TO REPORT OFFENSES

According to the Child Welfare Act (417/2007, Section 25), those employed by an educational institution are obligated to report to the police when there is suspicion that a child has been subjected to an act that is punishable as a sexual offense (Chapter 20 of the Criminal Code 39/1889). An act that is punishable under Chapter 21 Offenses Against Life and Health of the Criminal Code and has a prescribed maximum penalty of imprisonment for at least two years, must also be reported to the police.

5. INFORMATION ABOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THE PLAN FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The disciplinary plan, as well as the rules and regulations, are available on YA’s website, intranet, and on Wilma. This makes them always accessible to students, parents or custodians, and staff.

When students begin their studies at YA, the responsible teacher will inform them about the rules and regulations and the content of the disciplinary plan and where they can be accessed. At the parents’ evenings held for the parents or custodians of new students, information is also given about the rules and regulations and about how the plan is implemented.

Information about the rules and regulations and about the disciplinary plan is included in the introduction of new counselling and teaching staff.

6. COOPERATION WITH PARENTS OR CUSTODIANS AND AUTHORITIES

YA cooperates with relevant authorities in each location where we operate. Cooperation with parents or custodians is carried out through information provided via Wilma, personal contact, and meetings as needed. Each academic year parents’ evenings are organized at the units.

Further details of the collaboration between the student welfare, students, and their parents or custodians are described in YA’s student welfare plan.

7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The disciplinary measures plan is evaluated every two years (in odd-numbered years) by the YA management group. The monitoring is carried out by means of a review of the decisions made during the evaluation period. The review compares whether the disciplinary measures taken followed the plan, were proportionate to the circumstances that led to the measures, and whether similar cases were treated consistently. After the evaluation necessary actions are taken if needed, by providing additional information to the staff about the content and impact of the plan.

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Wilma

At YA we use Wilma to inform and communicate with students, parents or custodians and teachers. You will find information on the Announcement board (Anslagstavlan) under the Links section in Wilma.

Wilma’s web interface for YA is found at: https://yrkesakademin.inschool.fi/ as well as in the Wilma app.

In Wilma you will find your personal competence development plan (PCDP), your schedule, electronic forms, notifications, assessments and other information that relates to your life as a student.

In the Wilma app you can write and read internal messages, view the schedule and read notifications. Not all features are available in the Wilma app (e.g. application for meal allowance), so you need to log in to Wilma’s interface for YA. You log in with your username (only numbers) and password. If you have forgotten your password, there is a Help guide and a link to Create a new password on the login page: http://yrkesakademin.inschool.fi

Please note that you need to write you username (numbers) + @edu.yrkesakademin.fi when you create a new password, in that case it is not enough with only the numbers. If you have questions about Wilma, you can turn to the student office or send an email to Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

WILMA FOR PARENTS OR CUSTODIANS

Wilma is a great way for parents or custodians to keep up with the studies and communicate with the teachers. When the studies begin, information about Wilma is sent to the email address of the parent or custodian provided by the student in their application. For questions regarding Wilma, you can contact the student office or email Den här e-postadressen skyddas mot spambots. Du måste tillåta JavaScript för att se den.

Login to YA’s Wilma

The address is: https://yrkesakademin.inschool.fi/

Write your username (your student number) and your password in the login box. Example: 12345678 + your password (see images here).

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