Karlskrona is currently experiencing enormous growth. All investments that are being made and planned are lifting Karlskrona and Blekinge to a whole new level, where skills development and new workforce are at the center. Karlskrona wants to attract more skills from a broad target group; people that may consider moving to the municipality or region. An important piece of the puzzle is education.
The range of education in Sweden is very extensive and extends across virtually all areas. To make it easier for companies and students to find the right education, we have the Karlskrona Kompetenshubb, a competence hub and gathering place for education available in Karlskrona that matches the needs of the labour market. This is the most important task of the Karlskrona Kompetenshubb.
“The large industrial investments that are being made in our region require that there are education programs that respond to the needs of companies. We want to make the training courses available and ensure that there is a wide range to choose from, and that companies find the right education when they need to develop the skills of existing staff and search for new co-workers”, says Åsa Direnius, head of the Karlskrona Kompetenshubb.
The competence hub was established to secure growth after a report on industry’s needs in connection with major investments in Karlskrona and the surrounding area. Ensuring that potential co-workers stay in Karlskrona is a very important part of the municipality’s mission.
“The Karlskrona Kompetenshubb exists to make it smoother and easier - and not least faster - to find the right training. Being able to act quickly is extremely important in this context, we must secure growth and act according to the demands and needs of the labour market”, adds Åsa Direnius.
Right now, a lot of work is being done to bring higher education to Karlskrona. At the same time, work is being done to make the hub’s goals visible and to make companies aware of its existence.
A clear result of the hub’s work is the establishment of two new polytechnic programs that will start in the fall of 2026. The Automation Engineer and CAD Designer in Mechanics programs are both focused on industry and lead to highly sought-after skills at local companies.
Karlskrona Kompetenshubb was founded in August 2025. There is also a recruitment hub, Karlskrona Rekryteringshubb, which work to ensure that companies’ recruitment needs are met. Both are located on the campus in Karlskrona, next to Blekinge University of Technology.
Karlskrona Rekryuteringshubb brings together job opportunities and job seekers. An important mission revolves around taking advantage of the skills of co-movers of employees who have chosen Karlskrona because of their new job. The fact that both parties get jobs not only benefits the family, it benefits the whole of Karlskrona and the region.
Technology and industry, healthcare, hotels and restaurants, and the hospitality industry are some examples of areas where there are a lot of jobs right now. Karlskrona is growing in all areas thanks to the large industrial investments, everything is interconnected and makes a difference.
“We have all the opportunities for anyone wanting to move here, emphasises Erika Sigfridsson, head of the Karlskrona Rekryteringshubb.
An important part of the Karlskrona Rekryteringshubb’s work is the recurring recruitment event called Jobbchansen. Here, companies with recruitment needs have the opportunity to meet job seekers in a simple and effective way. The event is aimed at both local candidates and people who have moved to Karlskrona, new employees and students.
Through Jobbchansen, concrete meetings are created that lead to employment and contribute to more people choosing to stay in the Karlskrona. Jobbchansen is a clear example of how the Rekryteringshubb works practically with its matching process. It is about creating short paths between employers and skills.
Focus Area: Talent Attraction & Skills Development
Location: Karlskrona, Sweden
Established: 2025
'Purpose: Connect education with labour market needs
Key Partners: Municipality, industry, education providers
Key Initiatives: Karlskrona Kompetenshubb & Rekryteringshubb
Outcome: Faster access to skills, recruitment and workforce development
Blekinge is investing in education, skills development and recruitment initiatives that help companies find and retain the talent they need.
Get in touch to learn how Business Blekinge can support your expansion plans.
Investment Promotion Manager