The entrepreneurship learning ecosystem of Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia has been selected as the best in Europe. The selection was announced at the main event of the European Vocational Skills Week at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on Thursday evening 17 October 2019. This is an award for excellence in vocational education and training. 

A jury appointed by the European Commission chose the model as one of the two finalists. The winner was decided half by public vote and half by a panel of appointed experts.  

Gradia’s Strength Lies in Continous Development and Networks 

"Development of entrepreneurship studies has been one of the strategic priorities of Gradia for a long time. Entrepreneurship is both a mindset and a method to exploit one’s own skills to the fullest. An entrepreneurial mindset is a key to learning, and the studies provided at Gradia emphasise the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, continuous learning, teamwork and self-development," states Pirjo Kauhanen, Principal of Gradia Jyväskylä.  

Every learner in Gradia can gain entrepreneurial competences, either by setting up a mini company according to the JA model or by joining a multidisciplinary, pedagogical cooperative. In addition, the entrepreneurship ecosystem provides every student with either sectoral or multidisciplinary entrepreneurial training and coaching provided within EduFutura cooperation. Further, the learners who start their own company can participate in pre-incubator and incubator activities provided by Jyväskylä Start Up Factory owned by EduFutura institutes and the city of Jyväskylä conjointly. 

EduFutura is a collaboration model between the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, the University of Jyväskylä and Gradia which organises joint studies, shares experts and facilities across organisation borders and develops education and training.  

Skills for the Future 

By rewarding an entrepreneurship learning model, EU wants to encourage vocational education and training institutions to invest in entrepreneurship training. An entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurship competences reinforce the ability of young people to cope with the future of work.  

The European Vocational Skills Week was now celebrated for the fourth time. The aim of the week is to disseminate European-wide information on vocational training, organise events and share recognition of excellence in vocational education and training. 

More information on entrepreneurship at Gradia 

Petrikki Tukiainen, Senior Specialist, Entrepreneurship, Gradia, tel. +358403415850, petrikki.tukiainen@gradia.fi
Anu Tokila, Development Director, Gradia, tel. +358403415141, anu.tokila@gradia.fi 
Pirjo Kauhanen, Principal, Gradia Jyväskylä, tel. 358403416152, pirjo.kauhanen@gradia.fi