Research data to make better use of the TET-training period for work experience

According to the curriculum, during the upper years of secondary school, students must be provided with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with working life, i.e., TET periods as a basis for educational and career choices. During these orientation periods, the student works in the workplace of his or her choice or that assigned to them under the supervision of an adult. TET sessions affect almost every young person in upper secondary school, but comprehensive information on their implementation, monitoring and experiences remains scarce.

A joint project between MDI Public, the Finnish Youth Research Society and the Research Foundation for Study and Education produces information enabling us to make better use of the potential associated with these introductory periods in secondary school as part of the development of basic education. The focuses here are on students’ readiness for postgraduate studies, attachment to working life, prevention of exclusion, leveling out background differences and equality. 

The aim of the project is:

  1. to map the administrative models and practices related to the implementation of TET periods in schools and municipalities, as well as the views of teachers and student counselors on their functioning and development needs
  2. to map the views of employers and business and other stakeholders necessary for the development of TET periods on cooperation and development needs at both local and national levels.

 

The project leader is MDI leading expert Mikko Valtakari. MDI’s partners are the Finnish Youth Research Association and the Study and Education Research Foundation Otus. The project is part of the Government’s decision-making study and research plan and it is linked to theme 8. Finland of Knowledge, Education and Innovation. The project runs for one year from March 2021.

Contact persons

Mikko Valtakari, MDI
Minna Mayer, MDI
Sinikka Aapola-Kari, Finnish Youth Research Association
Mila Hakanen, Otus