An Operational Model for Developing Process Operator Students’ Safety Competence in on-the-Job Learning

Abstract

In the safety-critical process industry, safety competence is emphasized. It is essential to ensure that process operator students adopt good safety competence during their studies. Due to Finnish vocational education and training (VET) reform, on-the-job learning has increased, inducing a need for new methods. In this study, an operational model for developing process operator students’ safety competence in on-the-job learning was constructed and evaluated. The model was compiled in cooperation with six process industry companies, five VET organizations, and eight expert organizations. The main data collection methods were interviews and workshops. The model consists of eight phases and provides instructions, tools, and good practices for implementing on-the-job learning. Companies and VET organizations considered the model useful and identified several purposes of use for the model.