The main objective of the Equal Educational Pathways in the Lapland Region group project is to promote equal access to education for underrepresented groups and individuals in a disadvantaged position in the labour market in Lapland. Another goal is to make the development of individual learning paths more flexible in response to changes in working life.

The project also aims to promote diversity in workplaces, strengthen students’ attachment to companies in Lapland, improve employment opportunities for those in a weak labour market position, and help address the labour market mismatch in the region.

The group project is implemented by the following organisations: Lappia Education Consortium (Kemi-Tornio region), Peräpohjola Folk High School Association, Rovaniemi Education Consortium, the Student Union of Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences Ltd.

To achieve its objectives, the project includes four work packages (implementers in parentheses):

1. Promoting two-way transitions by developing education structures that enable continuous learning, taking accessibility and equality into account
Pilot 1: Two-way transitions from preparatory education to vocational studies (PPO, REDU)
Pilot 2: Two-way transitions within upper secondary vocational education and between upper secondary and universities of applied sciences (all implementers)

2. Designing and piloting individual and flexible study paths based on students’ goals to promote employment and better matching in the labour market
Pilot 1: Enabling studies and promoting employment in the student’s home municipality (Lappia)
Pilot 2: Providing support during studies and developing student support processes (all implementers)

3. Enhancing workplace-based learning
Pilot 1: Utilising digitalisation in workplaces (Lapland UAS, Lappia, PPO, REDU)
Pilot 2: Developing guidance and mentoring competencies in workplaces (all implementers)

4. Co-creation, communication, and dissemination of results (all implementers)

The project is part of the Lapland Social Handprint project family.