No. 1/1999
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No. 1/1999 |
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Since late 1996 a pilot project involving qualified vocational education (QVE) is being carried out in Sweden (see CEDEFOP Info 3/97). This is a new form of post-secondary education in which one-third of the time is based on advanced application of theoretical knowledge at a workplace. The courses are open to those coming direct from upper secondary school and to people who are already employed and wish to develop their skills within a defined area.
A governmental commission has been appointed to run the QVE pilot project and it invites educational institutions and companies to take part in the pilot project. The project is based on close co-operation between enterprise and the various course providers and is intended to correspond to real needs in the employment market. The pilot project has expanded rapidly and in spring 1998, the government announced a further expansion and a prolongation of the project until 2001. Up to 1998, 8000 student places (3500 in 1997) have been approved. During 1999, 12000 students will study in QVE. There are no restrictions in terms of the sectors in which QVE is to be provided. However, due to current demand in the employment market, a considerable number of the 205 courses approved so far are found in the fields of information technology and the engineering industry. There are also courses in other areas such as commerce, tourism, health care and environmental control. The purpose of the QVE project is to compile experience relating to new courses, new educational forms and new course providers. Concurrent with the project, there will be an investigation of the extent of interest in this type of vocational education on the part of the employment market and the students involved. Up to now, the results have been encouraging. In the latest selection process only one third of the applications from various course providers could be approved. On average there are four applicants for each student place. So far, 1061 students have finished a QVE. 72% of those have found employment within three months of graduation and 10% have continued to study. Luleå University of Technology is responsible for ensuring that an independent evaluation of the pilot project will be carried out. Aspects of the courses to be evaluated include the questions of whether they correspond to employment-market needs and whether the students have received education of quality and relevance to future employment. On the basis of the experience gained to date, the commission is to draft a proposal on how courses of this kind can be incorporated into the education system. Based on the experience gained, the government intends to decide on the future development of QVE. Further information can be obtained from Commission on Qualified Vocational Education, Regeringsgatan 30-32, S-103 33 Stockholm Sweden, tel (46-8) 4051000, fax (46-8) 4054498.
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