Commercial Education and Training

There are about one thousand private commercial training organisations in Finland. They are relatively small in size, specialised businesses based on the expertise of a few employees, such as driving schools, language schools and companies providing training in information and communication technology. Private businesses also organise barber, hairdresser and beautician training as well as masseur training, for example. In addition, there are private art, music and dance institutions.

Private commercial organisations do not fall within the public system of funding; they are also not permitted to use the titles of qualifications reserved by the formal education system. Students in the organisations, however, may take part in tests where they can demonstrate their vocational skills and receive the right to use the protected qualification title.

The activities of the commercial organisations are controlled by consumer protection authorities.