Plater-welder program introduction
Vocational qualification in mechanical engineering and production technology – Plater-welder program provides you with the basic knowledge of both theory and practice of mechanical engineering industry.
Plater-welders weld, shape and join plates. They work as part of production in which different objects are manufactured from steel according to work drawings and instructions. Their work tasks include work such as different kinds of welding tasks and cutting and bending plates. They are able to use modern CNC machines and equipment in their work. Plater-welders work in the metal industry in the manufacture of plate pieces and welded pieces, making different steel structures or their components. Diverse steel structures are used in different machines, buildings and vehicles.
The education is carried out at our modern well-equipped premises in Sampo Campus, Vaasa, but the practical training periods that are held in the companies will make up an important part of the education. This qualification will also give you a good basis for continuing studies in a university level.
How is the education arranged?
The qualification includes full-time studying as well as on-the-job learning periods. The classes are held during daytime (Monday-Friday). The duration of studies is approximately 2 years. On-the-job learning takes place in the second and third year spring.
Program composition
The scope of the studies is 180 competence points (cp).
Compulsory vocational units 65 cp
- Working in manufacturing tasks – 25 cp
- Installation and automation tasks – 10 cp
- Welding and plate work – 30 cp
Optional vocational units 80 cp
- Welding – 20 cp
- Welding aluminium and stainless steel – 20 cp
- Mechanical and automated welding – 20 cp
- Operating a robot – 20 cp
Common units 35 cp
- Communication and interaction competence – 11 cp
- Skills in mathematics and natural sciences – 6 cp
- Citizenship and working life competence – 9 cp
- Optional targeted learning outcomes – 9 cp
A personal study development plan is made for each student based on his/ her previous experience and studies.
Studying is free of charge. The school will provide the new students with appropriate overalls for mechanical work.
Apply
Continuous application starts March 2nd 2026. Avalilable only for citizens of EU/EEA countries.
The tuition fee for no EU/EEA students for Plater-Welder is approximately 12 000 euros/study year. (The exact annual tuition fee will be announced when the application period begins). The tuition fees concern students who are not citizens of EU/EEA countries and who have started their studies in English-taught programmes in August 2026 onwards. However, students can be exempted from the tuition fee e.g. on the basis of their residence permits.
From August 1st 2026 onwards in order to be exempted from the tuition fee at Vamia, an applicant must deliver a copy of one of the following documents:
- Passport or identity card to indicate the citizenship of EU/EEA/Switzerland *)
- EU Blue Card in Finland
- Continuous residence permit card in Finland (Type A permit) issued for purposes other than studies may exempt from paying tuition fees. However, they are required to pay tuition fees if:
- their first residence permit in Finland was granted for studying, they have to pay tuition fees, even in case they have later obtained a continuous residence permit (type A) on other grounds.
- they have a continuous residence permit (type A) based on family ties in Finland, and their family member originally came to Finland on a residence permit granted for studying, they are required to pay tuition fees.
- EU Family Member’s Residence Card in Finland
- EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence permit card in Finland (Type P-EU)
- Permanent residence permit card in Finland, Type P permit
- Brexit residence permit card, Type SEU = Right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, or P SEU = Right of permanent residence under the withdrawal agreement
- a residence permit based on temporary protection
*) Citizens of Finland are not required to provide proof of their citizenship as it will be verified from the population register.