The topic of the qualitative research of this thesis is VALMA instructor’s perceptions of peer support and its development. The purpose was to survey the views and experiences of the VALMA instructors of the vocational gollege Spesia Järvenpää campus on the importance of collegial peer support in connection with daily work tasks and coping at work. In addition, the purpose was to survey the needs for the supply and demand, and the development of peer support. The aim of the study was to collect information that will be used later to strengthen the supply of peer support of VALMA instructors and to develop peer support forums.

In the theoretical part, the key concepts were Vocational Training (VALMA), instructors’ work, guidance and counseling, and peer support, well-being at work and coping at work. The material of the thesis was collected by a group interview in a closed group of Microsoft Teams, established for this research. Six VALMA instructors from the Järvenpää campus participated in the interview. The material was analyzed using material-based content analysis and thematic design.

The main research results showed that the VALMA instructors had received peer support in their daily work tasks, especially in handling practical matters. The instructors found the work atmosphere warm and it was natural to ask for help or support from other VALMA instructors. Peer support was also seen among instructors as a job guidance element in dealing with difficult situations. Peer support helps cope at work and prevents burnout at work. The areas for development to strengthen peer support were regular meetings for instructors, the creation and development of work structures, and the start of mentoring work. Recording and making visible the instructors’ work description is also an area of development.