YSAO
In Upper-Savo Vocational College (YSAO) we take pride in our consolidated tradition of over 150 years in providing vocational qualifications; our modern study facilities; progress driven culture of our staff and high quality of our products and services.
In YSAO we provide over 164 degree and non-degree qualifications in six different competence areas such as technology, natural resources and environment, logistics, construction, services and working life skills.
We are very committed to meet our students’ study needs and goals as well as the needs of the industries for skilled workers. For this reason, we carefully tailor individual study plans with each student, and work very closely with a large network of companies to make sure that we offer exactly what they require from the labour force. As part of the studies, we offer study paths that are well designed and implemented with big international companies.
We offer flexible ways of learning through a combination of onsite learning on our modern six physical campuses as well as online learning on our virtual campus.
YSAO’s headquarters are located at the heart of Iisalmi, or as it is differently known as the place of skills for being the home of many large and international companies. Iisalmi does not only offer breathtaking nature, it also provides a vast range of opportunities for employment, affordable housing and versatile outdoor recreation and hobby opportunities and easy commuting.
Achievements
YSAO was awarded the Quality Award in Knowledge Management in 2017 by the Ministry of Education and Culture.In addition, YSAO’s principal Kari Puumalainen has been elected as the chairman of the vocational education quality award committee by the Ministry of Education for three years in row 2021, 2022 and 2023.
YSAO is an active member of European Forum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EfVET) with its principle being the national representative of Finland in EfVET during 2017-2021.
YSAO is also a member of the European Training Foundation (ETF) network of the centres of vocational excellence as well as member of other networks that connect different educational providers in Europe and not only.
The greatest achievement that an education provider can get is the level of satisfaction from its learners. This year’s general level of satisfaction of our learners has been 4.33 out of 5 and the level of satisfaction from the work practice experience has been 4.13 out of 5.
Our students can stand out from the crowd and show their skills by competing in different skills competitions such as Taitaja at national level. Those who are successful in Taitaja competitions have the opportunity to participate in the national team qualifiers of international competitions such as EuroSkills, and WorldSkills. For the ones that are gifted in arts they can compete with students from other vocational education and training colleges in Finland in any type of art at SakuStars competition.
Vocational program
Mechanical fitter - Vocational upper secondary qualification (basic degree)
For more detailed description of the skills acquired through this degree please visit HERE
Duration: 180 credits (Planned duration: approx. 3 years )
Location: Iisalmi (mainly) & Vieremä (partly)
Part of the curricula includes at least 27 weeks of work practice in a company in Finland or abroad. For their work practice students are given the opportunity to apply for study paths and directly work in some of the biggest international companies in our region such as Ponsse PLC right from the first year of their studies.
You can find more information about these study paths on our website: Ponssepolku
By completing this degree, the graduate will be able to assemble, install, maintain, test use and check both large machines and smaller devices.
Skills received through previous studies or work experiences are taken into consideration in completing this degree by proving these skills through practical exam/s. Recognition of these skills will accelerate the completion of the degree.
Within this degree, the students are expected to complete three internships/apprenticeships. The internships/apprenticeships can take place in another educational provider or in a company both in Finland or/and abroad. Students are provided with different options to choose from for their internships/apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are made possible by companies that are looking for new workers. In this case an apprenticeship contract is signed. Average salary in the case of apprenticeship varies between 8 to 15 Euros per hour.
Apply:
The applicant should fill the application online and attach all the required documentation and submit it through our Wilma portal HERE
In case of questions, please send email to hakijapalvelut@ysao.fi
Accommodation
Students should apply for the right of residence through our Wilma platform as soon as the study place in YSAO is confirmed.
Dormitories are shared apartments and are about 10 minutes’ walk from YSAO school campus.
Support for International students
The international students can take advantage not only of all the recreation facilities and opportunities that Iisalmi city offers, as well as of all the support that the city offers to the internationals living in the Upper-Savo region. The international services in Iisalmi city provide guidance, counselling, integration services and other practical support. For more information about the support that Iisalmi city provides to internationals in our region, please visit: Information for immigrants - Iisalmen kaupunki - City of Iisalmi or get in contact with the international service through the contacts provided on this website.
Both Iisalmi and Vieremä provide lots of opportunities for internships and employment.