Future Skill Requirements for Blended Teacher Training: Developing a New ECE Teacher Training Program for Adult Students in Finland

The evolving landscape of teacher training in Finland is exemplified by the 1,000+ Teacher Training Initiative, a blended teaching model specifically designed for adult students. Adult students often face economic and time management challenges due to the inability to work full time during their studies, necessitating targeted support. The strength of blended teaching lies in its flexibility, since it accommodates diverse learning activities and enhances adult students’ experiences. However, it requires that teaching and administrative personnel acquire a range of skills, particularly in integrating online and face-to-face learning methodologies. This research explored the future skills needed by the teaching and administrative personnel responsible for implementing the 1,000+ Teacher Training Initiative for adult students. The data were gathered through interviews with teaching and administrative personnel (n = 7) from three universities and analyzed using content analysis. The results emphasize the need to develop cooperation expertise, innovative administrative skills, specialized guidance for adult students, and extended pedagogical expertise. By highlighting the skill set required for the effective delivery of blended teacher training, this study contributes to advancing teacher training programs that address the needs of adult students, thereby fostering a more inclusive and adaptable educational landscape.