The study proposes Häme Vocational Institute (HAMI) to merge with Koulutuskuntayhtiö Tavastia
The report on the future of Häme Vocational Institute, HAMI, proposes solutions to develop its operations in the best possible way in the future. The study suggests as the primary solution to integrate the activities into Koulutuskuntayhtymä Tavastia, meaning that education will be provided within the framework of Tavastia.
The interim report of the investigation was presented to the HAMI board on October 7, 2024.
“It is important to note that this proposal is not just about economic or technical arrangements, but about proactive development of secondary education in Kanta-Häme. We have a unique opportunity to improve the effectiveness of education by developing content and creating completely new pathways for students from secondary education to higher education. This is a direction that benefits everyone: the Finnish education system, the working life, and especially Kanta-Häme,” states investigator Juha Haukka.
“It is important for us to develop high-quality and specialized secondary education at HAMI so that they remain attractive and benefit this region and Finland in the future. The next step is to start discussions with Tavastia. If we have common views, we will begin to explore the possibilities of cooperation and a possible preliminary agreement,” says Pertti Puusaari, CEO of HAMI and president of HAMK. HAMI is a subsidiary of HAMK.
“Koulutuskuntayhtymä Tavastia is pleased that HAMK trusts Tavastia as a competent provider of secondary vocational education and is willing to explore the transfer of natural resources education in the area to Tavastia’s responsibility. There has been a long-standing good cooperation between Tavastia and HAMK, and this transfer would further strengthen it,” says Jouni Haajanen, the director of Koulutuskuntayhtymä Tavastia.
In Finland, there is a lot of competition in the provision of secondary education. Decreasing age groups and changes in funding further tighten the competition. HAMI is a relatively small player, whose operations are divided into several different campuses. Half of the students are completing a vocational or specialized vocational qualification, and their presence on campuses is minimal.
Juha Haukka started the investigation in the spring of 2024, and the final report is expected to be completed in November 2024.
Based on the investigation, HAMI’s finances are stable. Its strong specialization and nationally respected natural resource industry brands attract students from all over Finland to Kanta-Häme. HAMI is the only educational institution that trains, for example, dairy industry process experts and alcohol beverage production in Finland.
HAMI has a lot to offer in terms of carbon-neutral rural and process expertise, which is needed in Finland. Key topics for the future include profitable business for rural enterprises, smart agriculture and digital green transition, specialty crops, renewable local energy, and diverse and safe living environment.
“In HAMI and Tavastia, there are top experts in their field who have the ability to renew education according to the needs of the working life. I believe that possible reforms can elevate the work of HAMI and Tavastia as a pioneer in Finland,” the investigator Haukka summarizes.
Häme Vocational Institute (HAMI)
- Educational fields: agriculture, forestry, food and horticulture industries, as well as training for traffic instructors, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- About 800 students: half are undergraduate students, half are professional and specialist vocational students.
- 59% of undergraduate students come from outside of Kanta-Häme, as well as 85% of professional and specialist vocational students.
- Campuses in Evo, Lepaa, Mustiala and Hämeenlinna.
- Staff: 87
- Turnover (Hämeen ammatti-instituutti Oy): 7,5 M€ (2023)
- Subsidiary of Häme University of Applied Sciences
For more information:
Juha Haukka
Investigator
[email protected]
0504330134
Jouni Haajanen
Director
koulutuskuntayhtymä Tavastia
[email protected]
0400505388