The City Board is proposing to the City Council that a new vocational education company be established. The new company would begin providing education and training at the beginning of 2028.
The education and training activities of Turku Vocational Institute, Adult Education Centre Turku (Turun AKK) and Turku Summer University would be transferred to the new company. Initially, Turun TAITO-Koulutus Oy would continue as a subsidiary of the new company. The City would continue to be responsible for vocational education and training as the owner of the company.
According to the report, a larger education provider would be better equipped to prepare for changes in working life.
“This would make it easier to target education and training at the areas where skilled workers are needed most,” says Riitta Ekuri, who led the preparation of the report.
Having a single education provider would allow facilities, equipment and staff expertise to be used more efficiently.
“The aim is to ensure that vocational education and training remains strong and stable in the face of future changes,” Ekuri says.
Under the City Board’s proposal, Turku Conservatory would continue to operate as a separate company as it does at present and would not be included in the new company.
“According to the report, the Conservatory’s operations differ so much from those of the other education providers that including it in the same organisation would not bring comparable benefits,” Ekuri says.
The aim is to improve the conditions for learning
According to the report, the change would not affect students’ studies or the availability of education and training. Students would continue their studies as before even if the activities were transferred to a company. The reform also aims to improve the conditions for learning.
“We want to ensure that students continue to receive high-quality education and training in the years to come,” says Hannu Immonen, Service Area Director for Vocational Education.
The staff of Turku Vocational Institute, Turku Adult Education Centre and Turku Summer University would transfer to the new company through a transfer of undertaking. The new company would employ approximately 700 people in total.
“The change is not intended to reduce staff numbers. Employees will transfer to the new company under their existing terms and conditions. The staff are also actively involved in preparing for the change,” Immonen says.
Approximately 150 employees are expected to retire between 2026 and 2032. According to the report, operations could be adjusted through retirements if necessary, without redundancies.
On 19 October, the City Board decided to propose to the City Council that vocational education and training be transferred to a company. The final decision will be made by the City Council on 26 October.