Finland was one of the four countries jointly implementing the EU4Skills project, which focused on modernizing Ukrainian vocational education and training and supporting Ukraine’s rebuilding. The project was funded by the European Commission and member states (Germany, Finland, Poland, and Estonia). A consortium led by Omnia Education Partnerships (OEP), contracted by the Finnish National Agency for Education, was responsible for the core areas of curriculum development, VET teacher training and school manager training.

Omnia Education Partnerships consortium members:

  • Omnia – The Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region
  • Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
  • Subcontractors: Finnish Institute for Enterprise Management, Rockway, Thinglink, Rateko

After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, all project activities were adjusted, and the focus of EU4Skills shifted to providing emergency assistance and supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine. One main component included a portfolio of online courses, ranging from cyber security and first aid to greening and innovation in VET.

    Key outcomes

    Key outcomes of project activities implemented by the OEP consortium before February 24, 2022.

    Curriculum development

    • 20 curricula developed
    • Plan for supporting the development of 80 curricula
    • Tool for curriculum development

    Teacher training

    • Baseline study conducted
    • Competence framework for VET teachers
    • 40 teachers and 50 trainers trained
    • Plan for training 250 teachers

    School manager training

    • 63 school managers trained
    • 21 innovation projects commenced

    Key outcomes

    Key outcomes of project activities implemented by the OEP consortium after February 24, 2022.

    Adjusted project activities

    • 2 study visits to Finland
    • 5 online learning cafés for VET students
    • 3-module self-study training program for teachers
    • 10-module self-study training program for school managers
    • 20 self-study short courses
      supporting rebuilding

    Online course topics

    • Digital competences, information security and networks
    • Digital content creation
    • Emergency first aid
    • Working with children in crisis
    • Working with families to support wellbeing
    • Construction work and construction drawings
    • Entrepreneurship and employability skills
    • Developing a business idea and putting ideas into practice
    • Hygiene in food services, recognizing and preventing risks in food services
    • Training courses for VET teachers
    • Training course for VET school managers

    Top 5 skills learned

    1. First aid
    2. Working with children in crisis
    3. Working with families to support wellbeing
    4. Working at a construction site
    5. VET school manager training