The University of Oulu is taking a leading role in the research and development of vocational education

A professorship in vocational education is being established at the University of Oulu to address the evolving competence needs of the Finnish workforce and education system. The professorship is supported by a large group of donors who wish to advance the field of vocational education in Finland. The professorship strengthens the University of Oulu’s role as a national, Nordic, and international actor in the development of vocational competence, lifelong learning, and work-based education.

The professorship in vocational education is a nationally significant initiative. It is the only professorship in Finland whose core mission is to research and develop vocational education in close dialogue with the working world. The goal of the professorship is to produce evidence-based solutions for renewing competence in a context where structural changes in the workforce, a shortage of skilled workers, and the need for continuous learning are becoming increasingly prominent.

– The endowed professorship in vocational education strengthens the University of Oulu’s ability to respond to the rapidly changing competence needs of the working world. At the same time, it brings together research, education, and practical development in a way that has real societal impact. The goal is to fill the position through an open application process starting in early 2027, says Maija Lanas, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology.

Close collaboration with the business community

The professor will engage in interactive collaboration with the business community. To support this, a national co-creation platform will be established, to which representatives from donor organizations will be invited. The forum’s task is to anticipate research and development needs, align activities with the demands of the working world, and create new co-development models to meet the changing competence needs of the working world.

Part of a broader framework for lifelong learning

The Professorship in Vocational Education is based in the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Oulu, which boasts strong research expertise in workplace development, teacher education, and learning technologies. The professor will work in close collaboration with Anu Kajamaa, the University of Oulu’s Professor of Lifelong Learning, and the multidisciplinary research community. Furthermore, collaboration with the Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK) will strengthen the link between practice and research and support the development of vocational competence in the region.

With the establishment of this professorship, the University of Oulu will build an even stronger framework for the development of vocational education, higher education, and working life. Another goal is to develop, launch, and establish a master’s program in the field.

The endowed professorship aims for lasting impact

Funding for the endowed professorship is based on a joint contribution from several donor organizations as well as the University of Oulu’s own funding. The goal is that, in five years, vocational education research and training at the University of Oulu will be well-established and internationally recognized.

“Support from donors across Finland enables long-term research and development work whose impacts extend widely to education, working life, and society,” Lanas emphasizes.

Further information

Maija Lanas
Dean
Faculty of Education and Psychology
University of Oulu
p. +358 294 483727
email: maija.lanas@oulu.fi