Omnia is a multidisciplinary education provider located in Espoo, Finland, offering a wide range of vocational, adult and general education. The vocational courses and qualifications correspond to EQF level 4. All qualification programmes are accredited by the Finnish National Agency for Education. Internationality and mobility are significant aspects of Omnia’s activities, and the organization is actively involved in various international projects.
Over the years, Omnia has firmly established itself as a significant player in vocational education on the international stage. Through long-term development work and active participation in international networks, Omnia has become a key actor in the global education field, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Internationalization and Mobility
Omnia provides its students and staff with opportunities to participate in international projects, student and staff exchanges, and internships abroad. Through these experiences, students gain valuable international experience, which enhances their employability skills and broadens their cultural understanding. Mobility projects also help in building international networks, which can open up new career opportunities.
City of Espoo, Omnia as its representative, is part of the XARXA FP network, which promotes the mobility and innovation of vocational education throughout Europe. The network includes 39 member cities from 15 different countries, offering students and staff opportunities for exchange programs and international collaboration. These exchanges not only enhance educational experiences but also build bridges between different cultures and educational systems.
It can be said that for many students, an internationallearning at working life period is one of the most memorable experiences of their studies. Omnia’s students have the opportunity to learn in the working life in countries such as e.g. Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Italy or the Baltic countries. Statistics show that the number of international mobility and exchange periods has increased annually at Omnia, except for the pandemic years.
Key Projects
Omnia participates in several significant international projects, such as:
UNEVOC Network: Omnia has been part of this UNESCO vocational education network since 2013. The network supports the development and innovation of vocational education globally, providing a platform for sharing best practices and fostering international cooperation.
Omnia’s ”The Healthy food choices for a sustainable future – Healthy Future” project was selected to The European Green Deal report as one of the Erasmus+ projects that focused on the topic of education for environmental sustainability. You can read the research document (europa.eu).
Erasmus+ Mobility Accreditation: Omnia is actively involved in the Erasmus+ program, which is at the core of the European Union’s support for education, youth, and sport. Through this program, Omnia’s students and staff can participate in various international projects, such as study trips, internships, and collaborative projects with educational institutions in other European countries. This accreditation also supports the mobility of Omnia’s adult education staff and students within Europe and associated third countries. Erasmus+ provides opportunities to learn and share best practices in an international environment, enhancing the skills and competencies of participants.
Educational Projects and Collaboration
Omnia is also involved in many international educational development and cooperation projects, the aim of which is to develop curricula, share best practices and innovate new teaching methods. For example, CORE – Cooking for the Future, which was an international project coordinated by Omnia, focused on the development and standardization of chef training across Europe. The goal of the project was to improve existing qualifications and create a new common curriculum that makes competences more visible and comparable between different European countries.
The CORE project received funding from the Erasmus+ KA3 program and was implemented from 2018 to 2021.Omnia played a central role in coordinating and implementing the project, demonstrating its commitment to internationalization and educational development. The project’s results and lessons learned benefit the European restaurant industry and vocational education sector. Overall, the CORE – Cooking for the Future initiative is a great example of how collaboration between educational institutions can lead to enriched learning experiences and better prepare students for their future careers. Read more: https://cookingforthefuture.net/
Omnia and OEP Collaboration
Omnia Education Partnerships Ltd. (OEP) is a Finnish organization that provides sustainable education solutions and qualifications for future professionals outside EU countries. As they say “Future-proof training and capacity-building solutions inspired by the best practices of Finnish education and training”. OEP in owned by 4 Finnish organizations (Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region, Savo Consortium for Education, Finn Church Aid and Finnish Institute for Enterprise Management.
Omnia collaborates with the OEP to extend its reach and impact. OEP is a network that connects TVET educational institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders to promote vocational education and training globally. As an example, some key aspects of this collaboration to non-EU countries includes:
- Curriculum Development: Omnia and OEP work together to develop and implement innovative curricula that meet the needs of the global job market.
- Professional Development: They offer professional development programs for educators and trainers to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring high-quality education delivery.
- Sustainable Practices: Both organizations emphasize sustainability in their projects, promoting environmentally friendly practices and education for sustainable development.
Read more https://www.oep.fi/
International Networking
Omnia’s international networking extends widely, including collaborating with educational institutions and organizations in many different countries. This provides students and staff with the opportunity to gain broad expertise and insights into different cultures and educational systems.
Omnia is also an active member of the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the EfVET network. These memberships enable Omnia to stay at the forefront of vocational education trends and policies. Visits from international experts and VIP guests are common, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences. These interactions enrich the educational environment at Omnia and provide valuable insights into global best practices.
Omnia’s commitment to internationalization and mobility is evident in its diverse project activities and active participation in international networks. This makes Omnia a pioneer in the field of vocational education, offering students and staff unique opportunities to develop and network globally. By fostering a culture of international collaboration, Omnia ensures that its educational offerings remain relevant and forward-thinking, preparing students for success in a globalized world.
You could say that internationality and mobility are key elements of Omnia’s strategy, offering significant opportunities for students and staff to expand their skills and experience in an international context.