The new SKOL-ATL-SAFA-MARK personnel classification will take effect on 1 May 2023
The personnel classification for consulting was updated while considering career development and the attractiveness of the sector.
The SKOL-ATL-SAFA personnel classification, which was widely used for a long time, was updated, with MARK, the Finnish Association of Landscape Architects, also joining the parties who have approved the new classification. The classification of personnel, which has become an important tool in the industry, is used in the CVs of employees, clients’ requests for quotations, the quotes and price lists of companies and in the compilation of statistics on personnel and salaries. The update aimed to improve the attractiveness of the consulting sector and strengthen, in particular, the career development of young professionals and experienced specialists. In addition, the update takes into account the new legislation, changes related to the education of new individuals entering the sector and the increasingly wider range of diverse duties in various sectors.
The education and qualification requirements for the sector comply with legislation and they are now more flexible
Small adjustments were made to the personnel classification, with flexibility included in the requirements concerning education, experience, competence and career changes, while job descriptions were modernized and qualification requirements updated so that they correspond to current legislation and levels of education. The experience requirement for personnel group 03 was reduced by one year, the vocational qualification-based experience requirement for personnel group 05 was lowered to five years and personnel group 07 was removed. In addition, for the ongoing transition period, the possibilities of including experienced individuals with a post-secondary-level degree in group E and including construction supervisors and technicians in group 02 were specified.
The challenges related to career changers, specialists and international degrees were identified
In addition to the years of experience and completed degrees, the classification takes into account an individual’s career development, special competence, professional qualifications, additional education, the difficulty of duties, independence and work contribution. The years of experience may include work experience from student days. The Act on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications is applied to the recognition of degrees completed abroad. The previous work experience of experts and designers transferring from one sector to another is taken into account and included in the years of experience, as applicable. A further aim is to encourage experienced advisors to use the personnel group E more extensively.
The new SKOL-ATL-SAFA-MARK personnel classification will take effect on 1 May 2023
The classification of personnel will take effect and replace the former SKOL-ATL-SAFA personnel classification on 1 May 2023, and the classification of individuals should be reviewed at that point. It is recommended that the new personnel classification is included in any valid agreements through separate agreement or at the start of a new agreement period. The criteria for the placement of individuals are advisory and can be applied in accordance with the sectors’ special characteristics and the nature of duties.
Further information:
SKOL ry, Matti Kiiskinen, matti.kiiskinen@teknologiateollisuus.fi