Article Gold Open Access 2025

Work-Based Learning in Migrant Education: The Case of Finnish Vocational Education

Social Sciences
Journal · Vol. 14 · Issue 5 · Art. 275
Abstract

This study examines adult migrant students’ and Finnish vocational teachers’ experiences of migrant students’ learning in workplaces as part of vocational education and training qualifications. Theoretically, this study draws on previous research on students’ work-based learning, including insights from the 3P model (presage–process–product factors), as well as the literature on learning and working in a new linguistic and cultural context. The data were collected through individual interviews (n = 11) and a group interview (n = 6) with migrant students and individual interviews with vocational teachers (n = 13). The analysis provides insights into learner-specific and workplace-specific presage factors of migrant students’ learning at workplaces. We propose that these insights should be recognised when searching for new pedagogical solutions aiming at enhancing understanding of migrants’ learning at workplaces. The findings highlight the need to develop the integration of school-based and work-based learning while recognising (1) the benefits of workplace learning for migrant students’ learning and their journeys toward becoming members of work communities, and (2) stereotypical views that may hinder migrants’ efforts to access the benefits of learning in the workplace. © 2025 by the authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

work-based learning vocational education and training adult learning adult migrants migrant education

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Central Finland, Finland
Funding & Acknowledgements
European Commission, EU
Grant: 101079237
The study was supported by EU FEWL project (agreement number: 101079237).
European Commission, EU
The study was supported by EU FEWL project (agreement number: 101079237).
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