We research: A smooth transition from secondary vocational education to higher education in the food sector
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences launched a specialisation option in food production in the degree programme Industrial Technology and Management in autumn 2023. The addition of this new curriculum was initiated by food industry companies in the region. One of the objectives of the Fast and flexible training paths in the food sector -project is to smoothen the transition of students from secondary vocational education to university of applied sciences (UAS).
One of the project's four training pathways, Training Pathway 4, provides training for current and former secondary vocational students and young people interested in pursuing university of applied sciences education. In order to organise the training, SAMK's Maritime Logistics Research Centre conducted surveys to identify the skills needed by the target group in order to ensure a smooth transition to higher education.
Two surveys were carried out in autumn 2024 to identify needed skills. The questionnaire "Amiksesta ammattikorkeakouluun" was addressed to secondary vocational school food students in the region and the questionnaire "Siirtyminen toisen asteen ammatillisista opinnoista AMK-opintoihin" was addressed to students in the first two years of the SAMK food sector whose secondary education is from a vocational school.
The results of the surveys will be used to design the content of the training pathway 4 of the Fast and flexible training paths in the food sector -project. Out of the students who responded to the SAMK survey, 80% felt that secondary vocational education prepared them "not at all" or "a little" for the transition to the UAS. Of the respondents to the secondary vocational students’ survey, all felt that training in preparation for the UAS was important. 85% of SAMK food industry students who have completed secondary vocational education have experienced challenges in studying science.
Research suggests that a smoother transition from secondary vocational education to higher education would be facilitated by better skills of science, knowledge of the requirements for higher education studies, good study skills and good digital skills.
Did you know?
- In 2025 and 2026, the EU co-funded project Fast and flexible training paths in the food sector will provide training to smooth the transition to higher education for those interested in higher education in the food sector.
