Every student in vocational education and training (VET) is entitled to guidance and counselling. The purpose of guidance and counselling is to support students during their studies and ensure that they acquire the knowledge and skills required for moving on to further studies and employment.

The purpose of guidance and counselling is to support students

  • in developing the skills they need for studying and working
  • in making choices during their studies, such as selecting the qualification units that match their goals
  • in moving on to further studies and to the world of work or in progressing in their career.

Vocational upper secondary qualifications include studies that reinforce students’ capacity to study and plan their career. The aim of these studies is to enable students to identify their interests and make decisions concerning their studies and career.

Matters that have been agreed on about guidance and support are recorded in the personal competence development plan drawn up for each student. A career plan for the student is also recorded in the competence development plan. The first version of the career plan is drawn up at the beginning of the studies and students update it as they progress in their studies.

Each VET student is entitled to guidance and counselling. In addition to guidance counsellors, the tutor and teachers also provide guidance and counselling. Guidance is given both individually and in groups.
 

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Good guidance criteria is a recommendation that has been made for the purpose of developing and ensuring the quality of guidance in basic education, general upper secondary education and VET. The aim of the criteria is to promote the high quality and diverse range of guidance as well as to ensure the availability of high-quality guidance for children and adolescents, regardless of their place of residence and circumstances. Furthermore, the criteria are used to ensure the equality, quality and availability of guidance services for pupils and students throughout Finland.

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