At Omnia’s spring graduation ceremonies, students graduating into their first profession and students deepening their competence during their careers were celebrated. Vocational education offers pathways to working life, career development and finding a new direction.

Students who completed further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications were celebrated on 28 May at the Kirkkokatu campus. The graduation ceremony for practical nurses who studied in an international student group was held on 28 May, and ceremonies for other students who completed vocational upper secondary qualifications were organised by qualification from 2 to 4 June.

During the spring, a total of 1,301 students completed a vocational upper secondary qualification. In addition, 352 students completed a further vocational qualification and 149 students completed a specialist vocational qualification.

The graduates came from many different life situations. Some graduated into their first profession, some strengthened their competence in their current field, and others used their studies to move towards a new career.

“Trust that a path that looks like you is possible,” encouraged Tuula Antola, Managing Director of the Joint Authority, in her speech to graduates who had completed a vocational upper secondary qualification.

A first profession opens the door to the future

For many students, completing a vocational upper secondary qualification is an important turning point. It provides the skills needed to work in a profession, strengthens self-confidence and opens doors to working life or further studies.

“Omnia gave me strong support and a safe environment to learn. This is a place where everyone is equal,” said Jerry Ijie, who graduated from the Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Property Services, in his speech.

At the spring graduation ceremonies for vocational upper secondary qualifications, a wide range of new professionals from different fields were celebrated. The graduates included professionals from qualifications in technology, service sectors, health and social services, business, and culture.

Many graduates move directly into working life, some continue their studies in higher education, and others take with them skills that may open new opportunities later on.

Skills can be deepened throughout a career

Further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications show that competence development continues throughout working life. As working life changes, many fields need new skills, stronger supervisory competence, the ability to utilise technology and deeper expertise in one’s own professional field.

For adult students, a qualification can mean career progression, a change of field, improved employment opportunities or updating professional skills.

The highest numbers of students graduated from the following further vocational qualifications:

The competence developed in adult education supports both individuals and working life. It helps respond to skills shortages, strengthens the development of companies and renews working life.

“A career path is not just a straight line. It is allowed to surprise you and change,” said Sanna Hokka from RTK-Palvelut in her speech to graduates who had completed further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications.

Working life needs many kinds of professionals

The spring graduation ceremonies reminded us that working life needs both new professionals and experienced experts who continue to develop their professional skills. Vocational education responds to this need by offering flexible pathways for students in different life situations.

At Omnia, education is developed in close cooperation with working life. Learning takes place in practical environments, at workplaces and at the educational institution, so that students’ skills meet the needs of today and the future.

Every graduate has worked persistently for their own future. At the same time, they strengthen working life in the region and help build a more skilled, diverse and sustainable society.