New Approaches Needed in an Expanding Job Market

There is intense pressure in Blekinge’s business sector, and the demand for skills has increased significantly, not just in the private sector but also within the Armed Forces. This development is driving the need for qualified labor across both private and public sectors. “To meet the demand, we are working to expand the offerings of established educational providers, and we’ve been successful. The key is collaboration,” says Sara Vaarning Vetter, Skills Supply Process Leader at Region Blekinge.

NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS often emerge through partnerships with actors in other regions. Campus Ronneby is a prime example, focusing on meeting local competence needs. They simply bring the education home to Blekinge, Sara explains. “In addition to working with vocational college providers across Sweden, they’ve also taken steps to bring more university-level programs to Blekinge that don’t already exist here. Right now, Campus Ronneby has partnerships with Jönköping University and Linköping University. You apply to study at the respective university but stay at Campus Ronneby to complete your studies. Campus Karlshamn is also adopting this concept in collaboration with Mälardalen University.”

THE RESULTS ARE already evident. Now, you don’t need to leave Blekinge to study – you can stay and enjoy a good life during your studies, or even move here to study or accompany someone who does, says Sara. She continues: “This doesn’t just apply to fulllength programs. Many shorter courses and training programs are available as well, known as upskilling and reskilling for existing employees. Both new and established education providers are welcomed. We always strive to make it as smooth as possible to establish new educational programs,” Sara says.

FOLKUNIVERSITETET IS the latest vocational education provider to expand its operations, and they had this to say about the collaboration: “We chose to establish ourselves in Blekinge thanks to the strong partnership we’ve developed with Region Blekinge, which has actively supported us in identifying the competence needs of the labor market,” says Ulrika Hall, Head of Operations at Folkuniversitetet. “The commitment and optimism here have enabled valuable connections with both Blekinge Institute of Technology and various companies and employers in the region. This has led to a shared ambition to develop educational programs that support the region’s growth.”

Source: Di Blekinge special supplement, September 2024