LAB’s new practice‑oriented wood technology engineering programme addresses the skills shortage in the wood industry

The core idea of the new degree model is to complete studies alongside work, partly at the student’s own workplace. Applicants are required to have a valid employment contract with a company in the wood industry and a commitment from their employer to support their studies. Companies are able to influence the content of the programme, and study modules are tailored to meet both company‑specific needs and the current and future competence requirements of the entire sector.

In the programme that began in January 2026, twelve students from three different companies started their studies. The studies are completed through distance learning from the students’ home locations, while workplace‑based learning modules are agreed jointly by the student, the employer and LAB’s responsible lecturer. Practical training and the bachelor’s thesis are carried out at the student’s own workplace, and prior work experience or other competence can, where applicable, be recognised as prior learning, which can accelerate the completion of the degree.

For students, the model offers a new pathway to a higher education degree. One of the students who began the programme is Janne Leinonen, a quality technician from Taivalkoski working at Pölkky Oy. According to Leinonen, the opportunity to study alongside work increased the attractiveness of the employer already during the recruitment phase.

“As I do not previously hold a vocational qualification, the possibility to study alongside work sounded appealing. A very positive surprise was that this is a higher education degree that can be completed in cooperation with a university of applied sciences and the workplace.”

At LAB, the degree model utilising workplace‑based learning is seen as a flexible solution to the needs of the entire sector. According to Markku Mäki‑Hokkonen, Leading Expert at LAB, cooperation between industry and education is a key means to support the continuity of the wood sector, the growth of companies and the overall attractiveness of the field in the labour market. The programme is intended to be expanded gradually to include more companies and regions across Finland.

Wood industry companies and employees interested in the new degree model are encouraged to contact LAB University of Applied Sciences.

This article was previously published in the Puuteollisuus ry newsletter.