Plater-Welder, Vocational Qualification in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology
You may apply for this education if you meet the requirements for sufficient English language skills, health requirements, and are generally eligible for secondary education and interested in working in mechanical engineering.
Who can apply?
This education is suitable for anyone interested in mechanical engineering and production technology. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- A minimum score of 85 in Duolingo English Test or 5.0 in IELTS General Training Test (other language tests, such as TOEFL, are not accepted)
- A general upper secondary school certificate or school-leaving certificate
- Good IT skills
- Good physical and mental health to study and work in the mechanical engineering and production technology industry.
Applications that do not meet the requirements cannot be progressed to the next stage of the selection process.
Description of the Education
The Vocational Qualification in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology provides you with the skills needed to work as a plater-welder.
As a professional in machining and sheet metal welding, you will master both traditional methods and modern technologies, including the use of robotics. The mechanical and metal industry offers a wide range of career opportunities as part of production chains that manufacture and maintain increasingly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment and production systems to meet changing market demands. Graduates can find employment, for example, operating various machine tools in workshops, assembling welded structures, working as a welder, performing assembly and installation tasks for different systems, or in industrial maintenance and equipment installation.
Content of the Education
The scope of the studies is 180 competence points (cp), consisting of vocational units (145 cp) and common units (35 cp). The duration of the studies is two years.
Vocational units 145 cp
- Use of manual machining tools in manufacturing tasks 15 cp
- Working in maintenance and installation tasks, 10 cp
- Operating plate machines and welding machine in manufacturing tasks 15 cp
- Sheet metal working 15 cp
- Assembly welding of metal plate structures 15 cp
- Welding of aluminium products 15 cp
- Welding and pass a fillet weld test 15 cp
- Manufacture of sheet metal products 15 cp
- Welding of stainless steel products 15 cp
- Steel construction work 15 cp
Common units 35 cp
- Communication and interaction competence
- Mathematics and science competence
- Citizenship and working life competence
A personal competence development plan will be created for each student based on their previous experience and studies.
Form of Instruction, Teaching Time and Language
Studies are organized as daytime contact teaching at the Pohjolankatu Campus in Savonlinna. Contact teaching includes classroom instruction, online courses, and practical training at the Samiedu campus. During your studies, you will develop work-related skills in various workplaces through training agreements with local businesses. The language of instruction is English.
Price
The tuition fee is EUR 13,500 per year. If the student completes the qualification within the planned duration of two years, the total tuition fee is EUR 27,000.
Students are responsible for covering the costs of the Duolingo or IELTS test certificate, as well as expenses related to housing, travel, and a personal computer.
Students are entitled to a free lunch on days when they have on-campus instruction.
Samiedu does not offer scholarships or other financial aid options.
For the resident permit, applicants must provide evidence to the Finnish Immigration Service that they have sufficient funds in their bank account to cover living expenses. More information is available on the Finnish Immigration Service website (opens in a new tab).
Application Information
The application period is 18 May – 31 July 2026.
Interviews of applicants 12 – 21 August 2026.
A supplementary application round may be organized if the number of applicants is low.
Student admissions will be made by 28 August 2026. *)
A maximum of 25 students will be selected for the education based on sufficient language skills and interviews. A minimum of 18 students must be selected for the education to start.
The education is scheduled to start on 3 February 2027.
If you have questions related to the education or the application, please contact us by email at admissions@samiedu.fi. We kindly ask that you refrain from making phone calls regarding this matter.
*) Attention: If you do not live in Finland and are admitted as a student to Samiedu, the Finnish Immigration Service will make the final decision on your residence permit.
Application Procedure:
- Take the Duolingo or IELTS General Training English Test.
Every applicant must attach a Duolingo English test score certificate (minimum score of 85) or an IELTS certificate (minimum score of 5.0) to the application.
The Duolingo English Test is an online exam that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and takes less than an hour to complete. Official results are available within 48 hours after completing the test. This link opens the Duolingo English Test in a new tab.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) General Training test is a widely accepted English language test that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete, and official results are typically available within 6–8 days. Both test centre–based IELTS and IELTS Online are accepted. More information is available on the official IELTS website.
- Attach certificates of your previous education as well as a Duolingo or IELTS English test certificate to the application.
Applicants who have submitted all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria will proceed in the selection process. Applicants are ranked based on their scores (e.g. Duolingo or IELTS), and the top 50 applicants will be invited to an interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. The interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. More detailed information about the interviews will be provided after the application period has ended.
