The Finnish apprenticeship system was officially set up in 1923, just six years after the country declared its independence. Since then, Finland has been a shining example in the area of apprenticeship provision, particularly adult apprenticeships. As of 2021, one third of adult learners in vocational education and training (VET) between the ages of 55 and 59 were in apprenticeships. 

"The motivation factor for adults is essential− if they participate in training, they don’t miss their income,'' said Petri Lempinen. The Director-General added: "Apprenticeships are used by companies to train people to fill their vacancies, but they are also used to reskill and upskill the existing workforce as the skill needs change."

Over the past years, Finland has been focusing on increasing participation in training and fostering enrolment in VET. VET providers play a key role in this, as they are responsible for raising awareness and maintaining networks with stakeholders such as local businesses, organisations, associations representing entrepreneurs, local chambers, etc. 

Like every country, Finland is facing its own challenges when it comes to apprenticeships. One example is the low number of large and medium-sized enterprises, which usually have better resources and capacity to organise quality apprenticeship training and tutoring. 

''To overcome this problem, we have developed apprenticeships for entrepreneurs. They can participate in these training programmes to learn how to be better entrepreneurs or how to be better in their business field. This approach has been quite successful in supporting small companies to start growing,'' Lempinen explained. 

The Director-General also emphasised the importance of the interaction between education and training providers, employers and apprentices. This interaction should be as smooth and non-bureaucratic as possible – something that is still a work in progress even in Finland. 

''We are very proud of our [apprenticeship] history, and we want to make sure there will be another 100 years ahead of us,'' concluded Mr Lempinen. 

Watch Petri Lempinen’s panel participation (starting from 01:48’:45’’).