Greening apprenticeships: Sweden

This article is part of a series developed by Cedefop community of apprenticeship experts. It was drafted by Pär Lundström, Community expert for Sweden, and revised by Cedefop staff. 

In Sweden, the rapidly growing needs of the solar energy sector led to the development of a new programme for Solar energy managers at tertiary level (under higher VET - Yrkeshögskolan scheme).  
Although the Yrkeshögskolan scheme (YH) is not formally considered as apprenticeship in the national context, it meets the criteria set by the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships. Addressed to adults, the Yrkeshögskolan scheme is suitable for upskilling and reskilling for the green transition. Most participants are already employed, but programmes can also be used by companies to train and hire new staff.  

Globally, solar energy is a fast-growing industry as the world shifts to sustainable energy solutions. The Swedish photovoltaic market is growing rapidly (doubling every year) and there is interest in sustainable solutions from both private individuals and large construction projects. As a result, there is a great need for qualified workforce for good and sustainable installations.

The programme developed for Solar energy managers offers a fast way to reach tertiary (NQF/EQF level 5) qualifications on this area, while working. The programme offers a direct response to specific industry needs, but at the same time its learning outcomes should be based or clearly linked to the standards set in the Swedish Qualification Framework (which sets learning outcomes for all degrees).  

The programme helps learners develop knowledge and competences in the areas of electrical engineering for solar energy projectors, solar energy technology, regulations, construction technology, energy knowledge and battery storage and smart systems. These are all central areas for professionals to meet the emerging needs of customers and industries. Duration of modules vary from 10 to 25 days. 
Learners receive a wage (if already employed) or are eligible for state financial aid (managed by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education - MYH). Particularly for the Solar energy manager programme, 4 years of experience is required. Graduates can then work as managers of relevant projects.

Typically, training is combined with employment (‘learning in a work environment’) and approximately one third of all learning is offered at the workplace. Apart from the workplace component, theoretical training (‘school-based’ or online) for the Solar energy manager programme is offered by INSU, a training provider that brought together the training centers of Installers (formerly IUC) and the Electrical industry (formerly EUU).

The programme was developed following the procedure applying to the YH scheme, starting from the expression of needs by a group of companies. Employers and industry representatives have an active role in planning: they are involved in the development of curricula and learning outcomes, which represents a strong element in favour of labour market relevance and flexibility of YH programmes. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH, under the Ministry of Education) decides which programmes qualify to be offered at this level, allocate state grants and monitors quality of training during the programme implementation.  

At the implementation level, employers are members of the programme steering committee, they offer placements and training at the workplace and may support training for the school-based component too (e.g., by lectures). Companies are usually small (5-10 employees).  

Companies see the YH programmes as an attractive option to upskill their staff or attract new competent staff as they market themselves where talents invest in training. They also appreciate shaping training to their needs and qualifying their staff through a fast programme. Learners are also interested in the programme: for 2022/23, applications were double the available placements.