Tasks of the different parties
The school plays an important role as a developer of on-the-job learning. It ensures the quality of the training in continuous co-operation with workplaces. The school can be active in several ways, e.g.
- setting up permanent co-operation links with companies and helping to establish and maintain good on-the-job training practices
- participating in regional development work
- developing supervision and assessment practices
- ensuring that teachers have sufficient working life skills and access to continuing education
- training and preparing on-the-job instructors
- keeping up contacts with the social partners
- monitoring national and regional business life to be aware of changes in educational needs.
Prior to starting a period of on-the-job training, the employer and the educational institution must together ensure that the student has prepared for the work in question and knows how to observe instructions on labour protection. During the training, the employer is responsible for students' occupational safety in accordance with the law and other regulations covering employees, even if the student does not have an employment contract with the employer.
The workplace appoints an on-the-job instructor, who will participate in instructor training. The instructor's duties and use of time shall be agreed on at the workplace, thus securing practical opportunities to supervise the student
On-the-job instructors guide the performance of learning assignments, answer students' questions and give feedback on the assignments. Feedback is one of their most important tasks. Pedagogical skills, a broad vision and good teamwork skills are therefore important. Instructors must constantly improve their supervision skills. The educational administration has been able to offer courses for instructors.
As a guide, the instructor familiarises the student
- with the company's operations
- with work assignments, supervising their performance
- with occupational safety regulations.
- plans the training periods and organises the work to promote learning, together with others involved
- provides expert supervision and opportunities to observe the course of work processes
- gives support and feedback
- promotes an atmosphere of learning in the workplace
- promotes opportunities for on-the-job training in the company.
Vocational learning is efficient when it stems from students' internal needs and is based on their own experiences. They select, analyse and construct the study material to match their own knowledge structures. It is essential to ensure that the workplace and the educational institution do not have conflicting ideas and supervising methods.
Students function in different roles. Young people's own personalities and self-images are also reflected in the workplace, and their enthusiasm should ideally benefit the whole working community.
