On-the-job learning as a part of education
On-the-job learning became a compulsory part of Finnish vocational education in all fields in 2000. Helsinki Business College has carried out on-the-job learning functions in partnership with employers since 1998.
By combining elements of business theory with practical learning that takes place in authentic work situations, students are guaranteed practice oriented competence, while employers are more likely to find competent employees. On-the-job learning refers to target-oriented, guided and assessed study that happens in the workplace. In the Diplomas in Business Information Technology and Business and Administration, it accounts for 20 credits. On-the-job learning takes place in two phases: six credits, i.e. six weeks of work during basic studies, and 14 credits or the final six months of study during professional studies.
Competence demonstrations given during on-the-job learning
Demonstrations of professional competence were included in the Diplomas in Business Information Technology and Business and Administration in 2006. In the competence demonstrations, students show to what extent they have met the targets set for professional competence in the curriculum and as required by employers. Students demonstrate their competence by carrying out practical tasks in the workplace that are related to their personal study plans, which at the same time improves their professional competence.
Competence demonstrations as a part of evaluation
Demonstrations of professional competence are planned, carried out and evaluated together with employers. Evaluation takes place in a separate review meeting towards the end of the work placement when the workplace tutor, a teacher and the student are present. Grading is done numerically, based on certain criteria related to knowledge of processes, tasks and work in general, and to lifelong learning skills. Students receive a separate competence certificate detailing their demonstrations, which, together with the diploma, forms the final graduation certificate.
Employers contribute their experience and receive the latest competence in exchange
On-the-job learning primarily consists of unpaid work-related activities without an employment contract, under the direction of a workplace tutor. Students carry out tasks indicated by the employer within the scope of standard working hours and schedules. At the beginning of the placement, the workplace tutor, the student and the teacher in charge agree on the practical aspects of the training period, making a written learning and competence demonstration plan.
The work tasks and competence demonstrations depend on the workplace, and are planned individually for each student.?Business Information Technology students' work tasks are related either to their basic studies or to their chosen specialised study programme Information Systems Development (Software Engineering) or IT Services (User Support). Similarly, Business and Administration students' work tasks are related either to their basic studies or to their chosen study programme Customer Services and Sales or Business Administration.
During their on-the-job learning, students complete a case study for the employer, related to their competence demonstrations.
Collaboration between employer, student and teacher
One of the competence targets for on-the-job learning relates to job searching, so in most cases, students will find their own training hosts through an ordinary application procedure. The on-the-job learning host must have the necessary competence, up-to-date equipment and smoothly functioning operating environment to allow for learning, as well as for conducting suitable work tasks whose mastery the student can later demonstrate.
The employer is in charge of providing company specific orientation, to the other staff and to the work tasks, as well as providing supervision and ensuring health and safety. The teacher, on the other hand, provides orientation both for the workplace tutor and the student in the practices of on-the-job learning, as well as for the content and evaluation of competence demonstrations.
