VET2Sustain project visits the Omnia Makerspace.
The Omnia Makerspace organized an event on May 14, 2025, brought together students and teachers from Omnia, startup companies from Aalto University, and representatives from the business world. The event aimed to strengthen the dialogue between education and industry, thereby enhancing the value of education and the skills of students.
“The Omnia Makerspace is an open collaborative space provided by Omnia and Aalto University. At its core are digital design and the creation of physical product prototypes, a culture of experimentation, multifaceted projects, and work-based learning, especially for secondary VET students.
Makerspace is located at Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, and it is part of the A Grid startup community”. (See https://makerspace.omnia.fi/en/)
A Bridge between Education and Industry
The Omnia Makerspace acts as a bridge between vocational education, higher education, and the business world. As a representative of the VET2Sustain project, Ms. Sirje Hassinen, the administrative manager of the project, visited the event and observed how it supported the project’s efforts to enhance the attractiveness and retention of vocational education. In particular, exploring startup companies provide students with valuable practical understanding and new networking opportunities.
Innovative Learning and Working Environment
The Omnia Makerspace is not just a networking space but also a modern learning and working environment. It features many state-of-the-art technological devices that enable students to engage in hands-on experimentation. Oona Haapakorpi, the content manager of the VET2Sustain project, emphasizes that “Future professionals are building sustainable and international careers, incorporating future technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital simulation”. These technologies offer tremendous opportunities for developing education in collaboration with various vocational experts. Students can participate in testing and applying these technologies in practical learning environments.
Successful Collaboration Stories
Siim Saar, Makerspace Host, Tuula Antola, Director of Omnia Consortium, and Leigh Ewin, Community Manager of A Grid, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared success stories. As an example, Omnia student Victor Aatos presented his work at Tespack, where he is currently working and gaining practical experience in the business world.
Omnia has also integrated advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, into its curriculum, offering various local modules like ‘Chocolate Printing with 3D Technology.’ In this module, students use 3D food printers and have the opportunity to explore the possibilities of 3D printing, including design with Autodesk Fusion 360. This practical experience prepares them for future challenges and enhances their expertise in modern and potentially future technologies.
Commitment required in the workplace
Students and business representatives emphasized the importance of work-based learning. While students can progress at their own pace in school, precision and responsibility are required in the workplace. The discussions also highlighted the need for teamwork skills – collaboration is key to success.
International Perspectives and Citizenship Skills
Exchange students brought international perspectives to the discussions. The challenges of language teaching, where language begins to live only through interaction, sparked discussion. Additionally, the significance of citizenship skills in societal participation was pondered upon.
The event demonstrated the significant role that collaboration and work-based learning play in vocational education. When students have the opportunity to apply their learning in practice and network with the business world, their skills grow, and education better meets the needs of the workplace.