Vocational education took centre stage on 11 December 2025 in Raahe, when Brahe Education Centre and Raahe Business College hosted their joint gala event, the Amisgaala. Held in Raahe for the second time, the Amisgaala was created to celebrate students in vocational education and to bring them together under one roof.
The celebration was opened by principals Jaana Ritola and Markku Oikarinen. The event’s programme included scholarship awards, live music and delicious food prepared by the hospitality students and staff of Brahe Education Centre. One of the highlights of the programme was the Opebändi – a teacher band made up of five teachers from Brahe Education Centre. In one song, the band was joined on stage by the Principal of Raahe Business College, Markku Oikarinen, with his saxophone. Between the musical performances, scholarships were awarded to students from different fields who had shown a positive attitude towards their studies and contributed to a strong group spirit. The afternoon concluded with a disco, and many guests happily took to the dance floor.
As with any good celebration, the food played a starring role. Brahe’s hospitality students and teachers had prepared an impressive spread of both savoury and sweet treats. The tables were overflowing, and the food was enjoyed even by those who preferred to sit out the dancing.
The Amisgaala also offered quieter activities for those who wanted a break from the loud music. One room was dedicated to drawing, colouring, playing board games and socialising in a more relaxed atmosphere, while another room was reserved for video gaming.
Importantly, the entire Amisgaala programme was planned by the students themselves. Vocational students did not want a traditional formal ball, which they see as more of an upper secondary school tradition. Instead, this gala offered a relaxed and inclusive way to celebrate.
The event was organised largely in-house and showcased the wide range of skills taught in vocational education. Student representatives were involved in the planning process. Event technology students were responsible for building the stage, sound system and lighting. Interior design and business students decorated the venue beautifully. Photography students documented the event and took portraits of anyone who wished in front of a balloon wall. Hospitality students took care of the catering. The visual identity of the event – including signage, social media promotion and the look of the scholarships – was designed by graphic design student. The hosts for the evening were language teacher Oona Harju and graphic design student Iina Roukala. After the celebrations, cleaning services students and their teachers ensured the venue was left spotless.
What a fantastic event. Students in vocational education truly deserve celebrations of their own.
