The reform of wellbeing services counties has increased the need for guidance competence. Previously, training mainly targeted professionals in social and health services, but it now also includes rescue services personnel and a broader range of participants from different municipalities.
“The need to develop guidance competence now concerns our entire staff,” says Carita Lepikonmäki, Head of Personnel Development at the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland.
Guidance training evolves with everyday work and change
More than 900 professionals have already participated in guidance training programmes developed by Jamk and the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland. What they have in common is involvement in guidance work, regardless of their professional background.
“Guidance training is planned and evaluated in cooperation. Although it has been implemented for years, it is not a finished product but a continuously evolving whole that lives with the times,” explains Siru Lehto, Principal Lecturer at Jamk’s Professional Teacher Education.
Feedback is actively utilised, and the content of the training is developed based on participants’ needs. The most recent initiative is the Becoming a Competent Online Instructor programme, which supports an increasing number of employees in providing guidance in digital environments. The programme has received an excellent response, particularly in remote care.
“For many, online guidance was already part of their work or becoming part of their everyday tasks. The training provided practical tools and ideas for development,” Lehto says.
From theory to practice – learning together and from peers
Guidance training combines theory, hands-on learning, peer discussions and reflection, both in face-to-face sessions and online. Learning is deepened through assignments carried out in participants’ own work environments, with feedback supporting the development of their competence.
“It has been great to see participants from different units and professional groups share their experiences and learn from each other. This strengthens a sense of community and builds expertise across organisational boundaries,” says Annika Mäkeläinen, Learning and Development Specialist at the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland.
