Finland is one of the few countries in the world where clergy and religious workers function not only in universities but also in the vocational education environment. We therefore feel that it is important to highlight also this aspect of educational chaplaincy in our conference. 

Like their university based colleagues, vocational education chaplains are at the service of both staff and students. Although their work is in many ways similar to that of university chaplains, yet vocational education is characterized by the culture of doing. Many vocational education chaplains spend at least part of their time among the students on the workshop floor. Also the fact that at least part of the student body represents a younger age group than the university population has an impact on the methods used in vocational education work and on the issues arising there. 

Both university and vocational education chaplaincy share the challenges of our time: We could mention, for example, working in an environment estranged from, and at times even hostile to religion, and the challenges to spiritual life posed by an environment with multiple religions. Another common factor is the sharing of life’s joys and sorrows with the students, and maintaining a presence in the educational community – as a part of it on the one hand, and at the same time also apart. 

At the Global2008 Conference we will be sharing our own experiences within all of these areas. We will surely have much to give to each other through the media of intellectual exchange and practical activities! 

We in Finland have directed major effort in the form of the WorldSkills/ Skills Finland competition toward raising the profile of vocational education. The vocational education work of the church has played a part in this effort. This has been a valuable venue of cooperation for the church and educational institutions, and a natural way for many clergy to participate in the process. 

Web links:

http://worldskills.org/ (in English)

http://www.skillsfinland.com (in Finnish and Swedish only)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammattikorkeakoulu (Finnish institution of higher vocational education)