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25.2.2010 A flexible approach needed to the recruitment of educators in the field of technology
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2.2.2010 Turnover remains extremely low, staffing changes continue
A flexible approach needed to the recruitment of educators in the field of technology
A working group established by the Ministry of Education has proposed much needed flexibility in the qualifications needed to become a teacher of vocational subjects in the technology field. Due to the age structure of educators in the field, an action plan is needed in this transitional phase to ensure the availability of teachers.
40 % of employees in the technology industry have a vocational qualification. Skilled professionals are also needed in the future, irrespective of changes to enterprises’ operating environment and resultant changes to job descriptions. It is especially important to ensure the availability of capable teachers in vocational education. In 2008, more than 50 % of teachers of manufacturing processes were over 55 years of age, and around 40 % of teachers of automation technology and maintenance, electronics and data trafficking, and electricity and energy technology were over 55 years of age.
Flexibility when recruiting and support for life-long learning for vocational teachers.
The Ministry of Education’s working group has broadly considered vocational teaching, the need for changes in teachers’ professional skills and competence requirements and changes in teachers’ job descriptions. The working group has proposed that, as a general rule, vocational teachers should have a degree from a polytechnic or university. However, the working group proposes that an exception could be made to this principle in, for example, the initial vocational qualification for the technology and transport sector. According to the Ministry of Education’s proposal, a vocational qualification or special vocational qualification could be considered sufficient, if the teacher in question has at least 5 years work experience in the field of study to be taught.
Additional information:
Marja-Terttu Tanttinen, gsm: +358 40 731 0514
Anne-Mari Tiilikka, gsm: +358 50 590 4506
firstname.lastname@teknologiateollisuus.fi
