Sustainably skilled workforce

SAIMAA VOCATIONAL COLLEGE SAMPO PRODUCES SKILLED LABOUR AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR THE NEEDS OF THE REGION AND THE COUNTRY’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY. WITH THE NEW STRATEGY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS ARE BEING STRONGLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN SAMPO’S OPERATIONS.

– Sampo’s policy is to act in a way that promotes the health and safety of the work and study community, the living environment and society. One of our main goals is to increase the sustainable development skills and thinking of our staff and students, says Work Community Developer and Leader of Sampo's sustainable development team Leena Karjalainen.

Sustainability issues are also playing an increasing role in students’ work-based learning.

– A responsible working environment is a prosperous one. Sampo’s everyday practices take into account both environmental and social considerations.

Sampo has a sustainability team that draws up development measures and monitors the implementation of the targets in cooperation with various personnel groups. The group works closely with teachers, students and local and national partners.

As an example of cooperation, Sampo’s interior design and fashion sector and the forest, nature and environment sector were awarded the OKKA Foundation’s sustainable development certificate in 2022. The aim is also to apply for certificates in other sectors in the future.

– We are also actively networking on a national basis. We are currently updating the roadmap for sustainable development in vocational education and training together with other educational institutions, says Leena.

– With us, people study for themselves, their own future and their career, not just a degree. That’s why it’s important to listen to all parties, she continues.

The vocational college is first and foremost a pathway to a profession or further education, but it also provides tailored services to companies to meet their staff’s skills development needs.

– Sustainable development is one of the key skills for lifelong learning, points out Leena.

Through the Greenreality Network and its local companies, Leena hopes that Sampo’s staff will gain a broader understanding of the sustainability skills required of future professionals. The network will also link Sampo more closely to the common objectives of South Karelia.

– Through this cooperation, the sustainability skills of both our staff and our students will be diversified. In that way, we can make our work on sustainable development more visible, and strengthen the environmental responsibility and well-being in our region.