In Finland, vocational qualifications are divided into units, which are assessed in working environments. A non-formal coaching environment can serve as such a working environment. In those cases, a coach is acting as a representative of working life in the assessment. Trainees may complete vocational qualification units even if they are not officially students. A vocational institution accepts competence demonstrations regardless of the learner’s status.

The teaching team of basic areas together with the teaching staff of technical areas train groups of around 15 young people with fewer opportunities for two school years with the aim of improving their employability and helping them to access the labour market or to train at higher levels.