Students' experiences of Workplaces as Learning Environments in Vocational Education and Training in Finland

The currently implemented reform of vocational upper secondary education aims to increase workplace learning in vocational education and training (VET) in Finland. Consequently, understanding workplaces as learning environments has become more and more important. This study focuses on students’ experiences of learning in the workplace within different forms of VET and varying vocational fields. Specifically, the study examines workplace curriculum or pedagogic practices that relate to how learning through practice occurs and is supported. The student sample (N = 23) was collected in 2017 and included both apprentices (n = 11) and students in school-based VET (n = 12) in the social and health care and construction sectors. The thematic analysis was used to investigate the data from semi-structured interviews. In line with earlier research, the results suggest that workplaces vary considerably as learning environments. Participation in everyday work tasks is considered essential, whereas intentional learning strategies and planning receive less focus. The study identifies themes and key issues that are related to the structuring of practices and learning experiences in different VET fields and workplaces.