Vääksy aviation school seeks special task as applications nearly double

Vääksyn yhteiskoulu upper secondary school in Asikkala is seeking a special educational task from Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture, Yle reports. If granted, it would be the first special task related to aviation in Finland.

The designation would increase the aviation programme’s government funding and allow students to replace a certain number of compulsory studies with aviation studies.

“Many of our aviation students currently complete far more study units than are normally required in upper secondary school,” principal Jarkko Koponen says.

Applications to the aviation programme have nearly doubled in recent years. Last year, just under 100 young people applied, and 25 began their studies in August. Most of the students come from different parts of southern Finland.

Henna Kangasmäki from Lappeenranta hopes to become a commercial pilot, preferably with Finnair.

“If you complete upper secondary school successfully, you should surely be able to get into aviation college if you have the right abilities,” she says.

Niilo Kolari from Tampere is aiming for a fighter jet cockpit.

“I will apply to the Air Force Academy and try to become a military pilot from there,” he says.

The aviation programme offers just under 20 aviation-related course packages, covering subjects from the basics of flying to aviation psychology and aviation English. A drone course will also be added this year.

The programme is intended for young people interested in careers as commercial pilots, military pilots or air traffic controllers. It has been a significant development priority in Asikkala municipality’s strategy throughout its 20-year history.

The ministry’s decision on whether to grant the special educational task is expected later this autumn.