The aim of the work placement
The aim of the work placement is to familiarize the student with the future working life. During the work placement period the students familiarize with the working procedures and tasks in their own field of specialization. The work placement period increases the students’ professional skills and motivation. During the work placement period the students become acquainted with the activities, culture, work and social life of the organisation.
The work placement period will emphasize internationalization, entrepreneurship and professionalism.
Suitable work placement and how to find it
One of the objectives of the work placement is to learn how to find, apply for and obtain a job in students own field. The student is mainly self responsible for finding the placement, but can also utilize VAMK’s own career services as a help when finding the right place. Any job that supports students training and offers sufficient challenge is suitable. Student can do the traineeship in a company, public body or other organisation, such as an association or organisation, at home or abroad.
Student can search for job and trainee vacancies, for example via VAMK work – application.
Paid work placement
If the work placement is paid, student will need to sign an employment contract with the employer. The contract is then between the employer and the student and does not need to be submitted to VAMK. In the case of a paid work placement, the employer will insure the trainee with the statutory employee insurance.
Unpaid work placement
If the work placement is unpaid, it is important that the student draw up an unpaid work placement agreement with the employer. The work placement agreement guarantees accident insurance from VAMK, covering the work placement and any related business trips. The work placement contract must be signed before the start of the placement.
Work placement and thesis
It is recommended to find out if the thesis could be done and linked to the development needs of the work placement company, which would be a natural and desirable continuation of the work placement by to deepen and increase understanding of the students own field.
Work placements are an important part of UAS studies and can be done in Finland or abroad. The timing, content and extent of work placement varies according to each degree programme. The extent is at least 30 credits. In social and healthcare services work placement is 45, 75 or 85 credits. Finns pursuing degree programmes in foreign language must undertake a part of their studies or the practical training abroad. The work placement will be carried out in accordance with the normal working hours for the sector. The placement will be reported to the work placement supervisor at the end of the placement.
The student is primarily liable in finding the training place. However, in the field of social services and health the university of applied sciences is primarily liable for arranging the placement for practical training.
Practical training / placement / internship, including internship plan and practical training report, is accepted by the teacher responsible for practical training. They also enter the performance into the study register.
Note the following when accepting a working position or placement:
Job offers forwarded by VAMK staff members are sent to the student email accounts. We want to emphasize that the student is responsible for the terms of the working contract made with the employer.
VAMK is not responsible for the content of the work nor any other conditions of work or the legality of operations.
If any illegalities appear at the work organization authorites should be contacted.
Business Economics Work placement
The extent of work placement/practical training is 30 credits and altogether 20 weeks.
More detailed information concerning practical training is given in the instructions for practical training.
Teachers Responsible for Practical Training
- Erik Wahlman, International Business
Technology’s Work placement
The work placement/practical training in Degree Programmes of Technology comprises 30 credit points. 30 cp corresponds to 20 weeks of training. The work experience is acquired during the studies or during the period especially reserved for training in the degree programme.
Approval of Work Placement in Engineering Programs
- Seppo Mäkinen, Information Technology
Welfare and Health Work placement
Training aims to a broad understanding of the field and its meaning. Student is to get acquainted with practicing professional tasks in different working environments, increasing both theoretical and practical knowledge as well as professional ethics.
Practical training also gives valuable knowledge about organization culture, social relations and working as a group member.
Each training period has curricular objectives, and each student sets their own goals, with the teacher assessing the practical training.
