Ojapuisto - TET Work Experience Period

Every workplace has its own set of rules regarding appearance. It is your responsibility to follow the specific guidelines provided by your employer.

• Work Clothes: Some workplaces require a specific uniform or protective clothing. Always ask your supervisor beforehand if there is a specific dress code (e.g., business casual vs. outdoor gear).
• Safety Equipment (PPE): Depending on the tasks, you may be required to wear safety gear such as face masks, safety goggles, or ear protection. These are mandatory for your protection—always wear them as instructed.
• Jewelry and Piercings: Certain workplaces may restrict the wearing of jewelry or piercings. These rules are usually in place for safety reasons (to prevent snagging in machinery) or hygiene standards (especially in food service or healthcare environments).

If your workplace is a significant distance from your home, the school may cover your travel expenses.

• Distances over 5 km (approx. 3 miles): If the shortest walking route from your home to the workplace is over 5 kilometers, the school will provide you with a digital code for the HSL app.
• Distances under 5 km (approx. 3 miles): If your commute is shorter than 5 kilometers, the school does not cover travel costs. In this case, you are responsible for your own transportation.
• How is the distance measured? All distances are verified using the HSL Journey Planner (Reittiopas). The distance is calculated based on the shortest possible walking route.
• TET Outside the Local Area: You are allowed to complete your TET placement outside of the Helsinki metropolitan area or even abroad. However, please note that the school only provides travel support for the HSL service area. Travel expenses for placements elsewhere will not be reimbursed.

You are entitled to a free meal on every day of your TET placement. Depending on your workplace location, lunch will be arranged in one of three ways:

• At the Workplace: The employer provides your lunch free of charge.
• At a Nearby School: You may eat lunch at a local school within the Helsinki metropolitan area (Vantaa, Espoo, or Helsinki) that is located near your workplace.
• Meal Allowance: If neither of the above options is possible, your guardian can apply for a monetary meal allowance.

Information Regarding Meal Allowance

• Amount: The reimbursement is €5.50 per workday.
• Eligibility: This allowance is paid even if you complete your TET placement elsewhere in Finland or abroad.

How to Apply for the Meal Allowance:

1. After the TET period, your guardian must fill out the Meal Allowance Form.
2. The completed form should be sent via email to the Guidance Counselor (OPO).
3. Deadline: All applications must be submitted by Monday, December 14, 2026.

If you are unable to make it to your workplace, you are required to notify both the employer and the school. Please follow these steps:

• Illness: If you get sick, notify your employer immediately or no later than the morning of your shift.
• Planned Absences: If you have a pre-scheduled appointment (such as a doctor or dentist visit), inform your employer as early as possible.
• Reporting to School: Because the TET period is considered official school time, a guardian must also report all absences via Wilma to your Guidance Counselor (OPO).

Quick Checklist for Absences:

1. Call your supervisor at the workplace.
2. Have your guardian log the absence in Wilma.
3. Keep your OPO informed if the absence lasts for several days.

The City of Vantaa provides accident insurance for all students. This coverage is active both at the workplace and during your commute to and from work.

When is the insurance valid?

• Unpaid Work: The insurance is valid as long as the TET placement is unpaid.
• Paid Work: If you receive any form of salary or monetary pay for your work, the City’s insurance coverage ends immediately. In this case, the employer is legally responsible for insuring you.
• Weekends: If your agreed schedule includes weekend shifts, the insurance remains in effect.
• International Travel: The insurance is valid worldwide. If you are completing your placement abroad, please request an Insurance Card from the school office before you leave.

What does the insurance cover?

• Public Healthcare Only: The insurance strictly covers costs incurred within the public healthcare system (e.g., health centers/clinics). It does not cover private doctor fees or private hospitals.

What to do if an accident occurs:

1. Notify the School: Report the incident immediately to your Guidance Counselor (OPO) or the School Nurse.
2. Accident Report: An official Accident Report must be filled out at the school. This is mandatory for every incident, even for minor injuries that do not require a doctor’s visit.
3. Signatures: The form must be signed by the Principal, the Guidance Counselor, or a healthcare professional.

It is important to understand that the City’s insurance is an accident insurance policy, not a liability policy. This means it covers your personal injuries, but it does not cover damage to property or equipment belonging to others.

Who pays if something gets broken?

• Personal Responsibility: If you break something intentionally or through extreme negligence (being very careless), you are personally responsible for the costs. Under Finnish law, there is no minimum age for the liability to pay for damages.
• Criminal Liability: If you are 15 years or older, you are legally responsible for your actions in a court of law (for example, in cases of theft or intentional destruction of property).

What to do if damage occurs?

If an accident happens at the workplace and something is broken or damaged:

1. Inform your supervisor immediately. Do not try to hide the mistake; accidents happen, and it is best to be honest.
2. The employer will contact the school (specifically your Guidance Counselor/OPO).
3. The school and the employer will review the situation together with you to determine the next steps.

When your placement comes to an end, you should ask your employer to fill out a Certificate of Work Experience (Todistus työelämään tutustumisesta).

Why should you get a certificate?

A certificate is highly valuable when you apply for summer jobs or other positions in the future. It serves as proof to future employers that you are hardworking, reliable, and capable of learning new skills in a professional environment.

Where can you find the form?

You can find the certificate template on the school’s website under the "TET Forms and Information" section.