VAMK equips students with skills to power Ostrobothnia’s investment-fuelled growth
With its strategic outlook set for 2035, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) is tuning its educational programmes as ongoing investments continue to drive growth and create new opportunities in Ostrobothnia.
“We want to be at the forefront of sustainable development and the energy transition. Education today must address current societal needs and also anticipate the needs of the future”, says Hannu Vahtera, CEO and President of VAMK.
VAMK offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in technology, business, and health care and social services as well as provides continuous learning opportunities for companies. The institution places a strong emphasis on collaboration with industry and public sector partners to prepare students for employment. The regional impact is clear: over 50% of VAMK graduates remain in the Vaasa region and up to ¾ find employment within Ostrobothnia after graduation.
VAMK’s technical programmes equip students with essential skills for AI, smart digitalisation and clean technology. Robotics, advanced production technologies, intelligent power systems, and sustainable solutions are central to the curriculum, ensuring that students are ready to meet the evolving needs of Ostrobothnia’s energy and technology sectors. This commitment is strengthened by cross-institutional collaboration.
“An integral part of VAMK’s educational approach is its partnership with the University of Vaasa and Novia University of Applied Sciences through Technobothnia, an advanced teaching and research facility. By pooling resources, we can foster practical, industry-driven education and R&D activities that address the demand for skilled engineers in the Vaasa energy cluster”, Vahtera explains.
As VAMK continues to grow, so does the diversity of its student body. By fostering connections across disciplines and backgrounds, VAMK creates an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
“The most valuable innovations arise from the intersection of diverse perspectives. For Finland, it’s not only about developing technology, but also commercialising those innovations into products and companies. These efforts contribute to growth that benefits society as a whole”, Vahtera reflects.
