About Spesia

Ammattiopisto Spesia

Spesia Vocational Collefe is a Finnish vocational special education institution. It is the second largest of the five vocational special needs education (SNE) colleges in Finland. As a private institution, Spesia is an integral part of the Finnish education system and is primarily funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

What we do?

Spesia provides vocational qualifications as well as preparatory educationeducation and training for some 1500 students who need special teaching arrangements and student services in order to study.

We are also an expert organisation with a mission to offer expert services, courses, consultancy and guidance for professionals, organizations and families. We are also strongly into developing education, teaching and methods.

With right type of support our students learn to become professionals are often very motivated to work.

Where?

We operate in a total of 11 cities, which include 4 head offices with dormitories and 7 smaller branches. Spesia’s main locations are in Finland are Jyväskylä, Järvenpää, Pieksämäki, and Turku.

For whom?

Our students are a wonderful group of young people and adults who need individualized support in their studies. The need for special support can be related to learning difficulties, physical limitations, or social challenges. Erityisopetus ja erityinen tuki ei perustu diagnoosiin, vaan yksilöllisiin tarpeisiin.

Fields of study?

Students can complete an upper secondary vocational qualification or qualification modules. Before that they can start with preparatory education (TUVA). For those who need support the most are not heading for vocational studies we offer preparatory education for work and independent living (TELMA).

Spesia is educating cooks, among many other professions.

How we teach?

Our teaching is very practical and work oriented. Studies are planned individually and groups are small. Students learn by doing and we take enough time for practicing. Learning does not take place only at our own learning environments and classrooms, but also at real workplaces, performing real tasks. Our multiprofessional working community is there to support students and networks and guidance complements teaching.

We believe that with the right type of support every student can learn, shine and live life as a well-balanced, working and able person. Our work is based on strong pedagogical know-how, individual planning, holistic approach, humane values and cooperation with working life.

Roots?

We are a modern organization with strong roots. College is maintained by a corporation carrying its name, owned by two organizations: The Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities and S. and A. Bovallius Foundation sr, both with long SNE history starting in 1942 and 1905.

History of Spesia

Over a century of legacy

Spesia Vocational College, founded in 2018, is a modern institution built on a rich, long-standing history. It was formed through the merger of two respected educational institutions: Bovallius Vocational College (est. 1905) and Validia Vocational College (est. 1948).

The organizations behind these institutions, the Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities (FPD, Invalidiliitto) and the S. and A. Bovallius Foundation, have brought their extensive legacy to Spesia, shaping it into the progressive educational institution it is today. These two entities own and operate Spesia Vocational College through Ammattiopisto Spesia Oy, the company established to oversee their merger.

Roots in rehabilitating war-disabled individuals

Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities (FPD), Founded in 1938,  has long been a leader in advocacy and service provision for people with physical disabilities or functional impairments. Originally established to support and re-educate war-disabled individuals, FPD has always emphasized the importance of education in promoting self-reliance. Over time, on the field of education its mission expanded to support individuals with various special needs.

Old silk factory in Järvenpää that still is Spesia’s biggest campus.

A visionary mission for deaf girls’ education

The S. and A. Bovallius Foundation sr, established in 1905, was born from the testamentary vision of two pioneering sisters, Sofia and Angelique Bovallius. Coming from a noble background, the sisters were determined to empower deaf girls by providing them with education and the means to become financially independent. Their visionary commitment, realized through their savings and legacy, has expanded in the 21st century to support individuals with communication disabilities, staying true to their belief in education as a tool for independence.

There are few pictures of Angelique and Sofia Bovallius, but one of them is said to be standing on the doorway here.

A modern vocational SNE college and expert institution

Spesia Vocational College proudly continues this legacy of empowering individuals with disabilities. The college’s roots lie in the education of war-disabled individuals and the social upliftment of deaf girls. While the FPD and Bovallius Foundation continue to focus on their respective groups, Spesia provides education to all students with special needs.