Students at Laukaa High School in Central Finland are gaining real-world leadership experience this fall through an innovative partnership with their local Rotary Club. The program called 'Eväitä johtajuuteen' or 'Provisions for Leadership' exposes teenagers to various leadership roles and career paths.
The seven-part course includes two-hour lectures and two company visits. Rotary Club members from different professional fields serve as instructors. Laukaa Municipal Manager Linda Leinonen provides female leadership perspectives to students.
Eero Juntunen from Laukaa Rotary Club explains the program's goals. He says they want to show students that many paths can lead to leadership positions. Through stories and experiences, they encourage young people to discover their personal leadership styles.
This initiative addresses Finland's ongoing need for leadership development across sectors. The country faces demographic challenges with an aging population creating future leadership gaps. Programs like this help identify and nurture young talent early.
Finland's education system frequently collaborates with community organizations. These partnerships provide practical learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms. The defense forces and other public institutions increasingly participate in such educational initiatives.
Leadership training in Finnish schools reflects broader Nordic educational values. These emphasize practical skills, civic engagement, and early career exposure. Similar programs exist in Sweden and Norway, where schools partner with local businesses and government agencies.
For international readers, this approach demonstrates Finland's proactive stance on youth development. The country consistently ranks high in global education assessments. Practical leadership programs complement strong academic foundations.
The Laukaa program specifically helps students understand defense sector careers. Finland maintains conscription and values strong national defense. Introducing young people to military leadership options supports future recruitment and preparedness.
Such initiatives also promote gender diversity in leadership roles. With female municipal leaders participating, students see diverse role models. This aligns with Nordic countries' strong emphasis on gender equality in all professional fields.
Local businesses benefit from these partnerships too. They identify potential future employees and contribute to community development. The program creates pipelines between education and local workforce needs.
As autumn continues, Laukaa students will complete their leadership studies. The program may expand to other Finnish municipalities if successful. Early feedback suggests students find the practical approach valuable for their future plans.