Developing Safety Competence Process for Vocational Students

Abstract

In the safety-critical process industry, workplace learning during vocational education and training (VET) is essential when developing the safety competence of process operator students. Due to the Finnish VET reform, workplace learning needs to be reorganized and requires new methods. This study aims to examine the current development needs regarding the guidance of workplace learning in the process industry with respect to VET. Expert interviews (n = 12) and a workshop (16 participants) were carried out with participating organizations. The results were reviewed from the perspectives of process industry companies and VET providers. Based on the results, further actions are suggested to help companies and VET providers adapt to the new situation and process safety requirements. The results can help guide companies and VET providers toward shaping future process safety and the safety culture in the process industry.