ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to examine the formation of the Finnish system of vocational education and training (VET) system until 1945. The years 1850–1945 can be seen as a period of building the basis for the Finnish nation-state society and VET system. During this period, Finland emerged from being an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire to become an independent state as of 1917. The rise of nationalistic ideas meant making the development of education a priority in the society as education was seen to play a central role in uniting the nation. The first institutions of vocational and professional education and training were created at the beginning of the 19th century. However, vocational education started to develop more effectively after Finland’s independence in 1917.
