National Workshop Association in Finland (NWA)

Valtakunnallinen Työpajayhdistys (TPY) – National Workshop Association (NWA) was founded by workshop professionals in 1997. It is a non-governmental organization that produces training, development and information services in the field of workshop activities and social employment for its member organizations and interest groups. The goal is to support the development of the know-how and professional skills of both organizations and workshop workers through close cooperation with the field.

The Association strives to be a trainer, developer and communicator that inspires discussion and builds bridges between workshops, authorities and public administration. The Association’s three fields of activity – membership services, Balanssi Akatemia training, and projects – serve collaborating partners as well as members.

Cooperation with other actors of social employment aims to develop the entire field, one example being a publication on key concepts. Development work is carried out also with international partners.

The Association develops and supports the general preconditions for employment and the development of workshop activities and social employment. The target group includes people with poor education and employment opportunities.

Activity is based on a communal, customer-oriented approach together with shared experiences that aim at improving an individual’s ability to function and work.

Membership services

The member organizations of the Association include workshops under the administration of rural districts, foundations, associations and various communities. The aim of membership services is to produce services that support the general development of the member organizations. The Association’s regional coordinators are responsible for regional network cooperation. Theme networks develop working methods, and member organizations can participate in the overall development of the field in various development groups. The Association produces literature and publications to meet the needs of its members and distributes current information through its website www.tpy.fi and electronic newsletters.

The annual National Workshop Conference is the most important annual event in the field. Other seminars and training events organized by the Association are important forums of interaction for workshop professionals.

Training, consultation, publications

The Association’s training and consultation services and publications, books and reports that support the training work are produced by Balanssi Akatemia. Training and consultation is customized to suit the needs of clients and target groups. Social employment and workshop professionals are responsible for the training.

Balanssi Akatemia regularly publishes books that address various issues in the field of social employment. Balanssi Akatemia is a significant trainer of workshop professionals.

Projects

The aim of the Association’s development and project work is to support member organizations in the constantly changing environment. Project ideas are worked on and carried out together with members, interest groups and collaborating partners. Project activities consist of the Association’s own and partnership projects that emphasize especially networking and multiprofessionalism. Collaborating partners include government Ministries, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, and, in partnership projects, European Social Fund.

NWA and Transnational Work
Besides nationally, NWA is actively cooperating with different foreign partners. If you require any further information, please contact Markku Hassinen tel. 045 133 0400 / markku.hassinen@tpy.fi