Relief to the shortage of IT professionals with TAMK’s Diplomas of Higher Education

Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) is launching three new Diploma of Higher Education programmes in IT to alleviate the shortage of experts in the field. Higher education diplomas, which are completed faster than degrees, offer the unemployed and those at risk of unemployment the opportunity to quickly acquire skills needed by the labor market.

According to the project managers Petri Pohjola and Jari Ruokolainen, the diploma trainings are a way to answer the rapid changes happening in the industry.

– These programmes are university studies that are packaged to respond to the new needs of continuing education for example in the field smart industry, they state.

The Diploma of Higher Education programmes are narrower than degree studies, but still extensive education programmes. They offer an opportunity to update one’s skills with university level courses without having to commit to studying full-time.

As the teaching is in English, the programmes are also ideal for immigrants. If an immigrant does not yet have a Finnish education or higher education, a Diploma of Higher Education from TAMK can be of great help in entering the Finnish labor market. Two of the three programmes include an internship in a company, which further helps to integrate into working life already during the training.

Mira Grönvall, Head of Competence Area of TAMK's School of Industrial Engineering, emphasises the importance of continuous learning to meet the current needs of the industry.

– With the Diploma of Higher Education offered by TAMK, it is possible for a person to raise their competence into the next level in a short time.

Vice Rector Kirsi Viskari adds:

– TAMK is committed to responding to the structural changes and renewal needs of industry by producing customised training in cooperation with working life.

The Diploma of Higher Education programmes last 1,5–2 years and range from 45 to 60 study credits. There are currently three programmes that are taking applications: International Smart Industry, FullStack Development and Secure IoT-systems for Smart Industry. The application period for these programmes closes during March and April. The admission criteria vary from training to training.

The Ministry of Education and Culture funds the Diploma of Higher Education programmes. The trainings are free of charge for students.