In the next few years, many changes will take place in the construction industry, which require investment in the development of competence. In a weak economic situation, it is especially important that companies encourage the completion of degrees, the acquisition of additional training and qualifications. The need for expertise in the construction industry is growing, especially with digitization, the green transition, migration and retirement.
On this page, we have gathered up-to-date information about the completion of studies, supplementary and additional education grants and qualifications, offering internships and summer jobs to young people, as well as applying for various grants and the services that provide them. At the end of the page you will find links to related studies, reports and projects.
Completing degrees and theses
During the economic boom, many university students got a job during their studies. Due to this, the completion and return of the final works may have been left unfinished. During a weaker economic cycle, it is a good opportunity to complete your studies and also acquire qualifications for more demanding tasks. The new Construction Act emphasizes the qualification requirements of the industry.
If possible, we encourage companies to offer commissioned theses, with the help of which it is also possible to develop the business of your own company.
Qualifications required by the Construction Act
The Construction Act, which will enter into force at the beginning of 2025, sets new requirements for professionals and operators in the field. For example, corresponding foremen or designers must have a certificate of their competence as required by law.
- Read more about the Construction Act on the website of the Ministry of the Environment
- Read more about the FISE qualification
Additional and continuing education
When the economic situation turns up, it is important that the know-how and the required qualifications are in order. Developing skills is not only the company's responsibility, but every professional, both white-collar workers and employees, should invest in their own skills, regardless of their personal work situation.
For example, the Construction Industry Training Center RATEKO offers up-to-date continuing education for construction industry professionals, preparation for personal certifications and qualifications, and professional degree and part-degree training.
Personal organizations
Individual organizations offer their members counseling and various additional training opportunities.
- Construction engineers and architects RIA
- RIL
- Master builders and engineers AMK RKL
- Finnish Association of Architects SAFA
- Trade Union Pro
- Construction union
Internship, summer jobs and hiring recent graduates
Despite the downturn, it is important to offer internship opportunities to students so that the industry has enough skilled workers in the future as well. Second-level vocational education students can be in an unpaid training contract or a paid apprenticeship contract. Contracts for university interns can be agreed more freely. Summer jobs are an excellent way for young people to get to know the construction industry, and for companies an opportunity to find potential future experts.
Students and recent graduates of construction vocational colleges can be hired for internships as employees, even if the company's own employees are laid off or dismissed. Hiring an intern may not replace a laid-off or dismissed employee.
Change protection
It is possible to use Muutosturva's services in situations of dismissal due to production and financial reasons. The goal of Muutosturva is to help the dismissed employee and the employer with the change situation. The services of the regional TE offices include e.g. preparing an employment plan for a dismissed person in TE services, organizing trainings or participating in the costs of studies organized by other parties.
Social security during studies
Independent study with unemployment benefits is discretionary support for laid-off and unemployed job seekers. The condition for the support is 25 years of age. A laid-off or unemployed person should ask about the possibility at the TE office/municipal exam when registering as a job seeker.
Study support can get a Full-time student who is not entitled to independent study with unemployment benefit.
Elsewhere online
- Construction architects and engineers RIA, report 2021: Why do engineering students drop out?
- SAFA, report 2023: The shortage of experts in the field of architecture threatens to worsen in the coming years - more professionals are needed especially for the demanding tasks of land use and renovation construction
- TEK Graduate survey
- Häme University of Applied Sciences HAMK: Work life-oriented model of continuous learning for engineering fields
