Training for union representatives and occupational safety representatives

PAM trains union representatives and occupational safety representatives. Union representatives and occupational safety representatives are collectively referred to as staff representatives or workplace representatives. Some of the training for representatives is covered by employer support, which means that the employer pays the salary for the duration of the training. It is also possible to earn course credits from training courses for union and occupational safety representatives.

The path from orientation to advanced courses

Begin by participating in the orientation training (perehdytys). You can then participate in training organised by PAM: the basic course (peruskurssi) and later the advanced course (jatkokurssi) and continuing training (täydennyskoulutus). Webinars allow you to develop your knowledge of current issues.

Employer-supported trainings for union representatives and occupational safety representatives

Some trainings for shop stewards are employer-supported, which means that the employer pays the salary for the duration of the training.

See the employer-supported trainings for 2026 here (pdf in Finnish)

Orientation for union representatives and occupational safety representatives

Have you been elected as the union representative or occupational safety representative at your workplace? Good luck with your new role and welcome to the orientation day or online orientation!

Have you remembered to notify your election to PAM? If you were elected as a union representative notify us here. If you were elected as an occupational safety representative notify us here. You can then participate in the orientation training for staff representatives.

During the orientation for union representatives and occupational safety representatives, you will learn what your role as the staff representative means. We will learn about the role of a staff representative in the workplace, as well as PAM’s operations and membership.  During the orientation, we will go through the training opportunities for union representatives and occupational safety representatives. After the orientation, you will have a clearer picture of the tasks of a union representative or occupational safety representative.

Register for the orientation day or online orientation in English

PAM’s regional offices arrange orientation training for new staff representatives. If you are unable to attend the orientation day in your region, you can do it online instead.  

Basic courses for union representatives and occupational safety representatives

On the basic courses for shop stewards and occupational safety representatives, you will learn about the roles, rights and responsibilities of an elected representative. You will also become familiar with the key provisions of labour legislation or occupational safety legislation.

Please remember to complete the orientation before attending the basic course.

We recommend that you register primarily for a course held in your own area or nearby. Read the instructions on how to apply for the training and submit your application through the event calendar.

Advanced courses for union representatives and occupational safety representatives

In the advanced course for union representatives and occupational safety representatives, you will deepen the skills acquired during the basic course. You can apply for the advanced course after you have worked for about a year in a position of trust.

Work counselling to support you as a staff representative

Do you feel you need support in your position as a staff representative? Welcome to PAM’s individual work counselling!

In work counselling, you have space and time to lighten the burden of your everyday life. Sharing all kinds of thoughts and feelings is allowed. In individual work counselling, you will review your experiences related to the position of trust and develop your own role in the position of trust and your professional competence.

The purpose of work counselling is not to give direct advice and instructions to those receiving counselling. Instead, the work counsellor asks questions to help the person receiving counselling find their own solutions to improve the flow of work, structure work-related situations and learn from them.

Work counselling is based on confidentiality with a trained work counsellor. 

Work counselling is given remotely

Work counselling is given using remote communications software. In the first work counselling session, the need for further counselling is assessed together, and additional counselling sessions are booked. The duration of individual work counselling is 45 minutes.

At the moment, work counselling is only available in Finnish.

Book appointment and find out more tyonohjaus@pam.fi

Frequently asked questions