31.10.2008 Markku Koponen

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Employability: The Employers’ Perspective and its Implications

Offical Bologna Seminar 6-7.11.2008, Luxembourg

Workshop 1: Awareness-raising among the employers on the value of bachelor qualifications and associated learning outcomes

Jaana Lehto/Tradeka Ltd., Finland

31.10.2008 Markku Koponen

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Wo

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Specialistvocational

qualifications

Furthervocational

qualifications

Work experience

Basic education

Preschool

MatriculationexaminationUpper secondary school

Vocational qualificationsVocational schools andapprenticeship training

Master’s degrees

Barcelor’s degrees

Universities

Doc.Lic.

Bachelor polytechnicdegrees

Polytechnics

Polytechnic postgraduatedegrees

10

Work Experience(min. 3 years)

Fin

nis

h E

du

cati

on

sys

tem

9

8

76

54

3

2

1

6

7

14

13

9

12

10

11

8

1516

12345

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

1

2

3

Age

31.10.2008 Markku Koponen

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Finnish degree system of higher education

Universities Polytechnics(Fachhochschule)

Years(Credits)

Bachelor´s

Master´s

Workinglife

Doctor´s

Bachelor´s-level

Workinglife

Master´slevel

Workinglife

31.10.2008 Markku Koponen

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Workplace-orientation the core of polytechnic studies

• Higher education is developed as an entity based on a dual model• The delegation of responsibilities for universities and polytechnics

is clearly defined • Regional networking and co-operation of institutions of higher

education • At universities the master level degree is the primary degree used

in the working life • Polytechnic graduates should enter the workplace after receiving

a bachelor polytechnic degree

31.10.2008 Markku Koponen

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Predicted educational structure for recruiting in EK member companies in 2007, %

Vocational school49 %

Polytechnic27 %

University14 %

No vocational certification

10 %

Source: Labour force and skill needs survey, EK 2007