The Swedish government has decided on an expanded assignment to the ongoing Vocational Development Inquiry. The task is to propose the introduction of a new form of vocational training at upper secondary level, to strengthen the connection between education for adults and working life. The assignment is to be reported on by February 2024. 

There is currently a shortage of vocationally trained workforce in several fields, and there is a risk of this shortage also persisting in the future. For example, in the technology, manufacturing, and construction sectors, employers report a major shortage of labour force with upper secondary school education. 

A more comprehensive supply of skills is needed for Sweden to be a rich welfare state. There are good opportunities to get vocational training both in upper secondary school and in vocational education, but it is not enough. The Government believes that several different forms of vocational training are needed so that more adults can strengthen their skills or change careers. 

Since its establishment in 2009, Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) has been successful in terms of post-secondary education. Of those who graduated in 2021, 91% had found a job a year later. One reason for this success is that the working life has a decisive influence in higher vocational education courses in meeting labor market's skills needs. The Government therefore wants to use the higher vocational education model, which offers education with a strong connection to working life, also for vocational education at upper secondary level. 

The assignment also includes analyzing the range of other forms of vocational education at secondary and post-secondary level and, if necessary, proposing boundaries between these forms of education and the new form of vocational education. 

More information: https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/07/utredning-ska-foresla-en-ny-form-av-yrkesutbildning-for-vuxna/  

Source: Eurydice Unit Sweden