The Minister for Employment was impressed by Jönköping´s vocational education
Problem-solving skills, curiosity and the courage to try something new are the most important things to take with you into working life.
This was emphasized by the Minister for Employment, Johan Britz (Liberal Party), when he spoke with students at higher vocational education students in Jönköping on Wednesday.
The Minister for Employment, Johan Blitz, is in the midst of a busy period with an election campaign that has already begun, and consequently many visits around the country. On Wednesday 6 May, he came to Jönköping and the Vocational education to see more of the school’s activities and talk to students and teachers.
“The visit means a great deal, not just to us, but to the entire vocational education sector. It is recognition and proof that we are doing the right things to ensure a supply of skilled workers. I think both we as staff, the business representatives and the students were inspired by the minister,” says Sara Adler, Head of Education at Higher Vocational Education in Jönköping.
The visit began in the canteen, where the Minister gave advice on how to approach entering the labour market, among other things. “Always consider vocational training, and when an opportunity arises, seize it,” emphasized Johan Britz.
“Become a problem-solver, and try things that are difficult, and that you think you cannot manage. If you stay in your comfort zone, it’s harder to develop,” he says.
Jönköping County sets an example
For Johan Britz, what sets Jönköping County apart is its enterprise and entrepreneurial spirit, which he believes makes the county a role model. That is why he wanted to see how the work on skills provision operates.
“The vocational education and its collaboration with local businesses is a fine example. I was met by dedicated teachers and motivated students across a wide range of courses who have a bright future in the labour market. The vocational education at the School of Engineering at Jönköping University is a perfect example of the forward-thinking spirit needed in the Swedish labour market today,” he says.
This was followed by a Q&A session, and the students took the opportunity to ask about the challenges facing vocational education and how we can be sure that the need for vocational education will still exist once the students have completed their studies. The issue of the shortage of work placements (LIA) was also raised, along with whether the government could introduce incentives for companies.
“There’s something odd about that; it’s a win-win situation, after all. I don’t actually have a clear-cut answer, but I’ll take that question away with me,” says Johan.
A pleasant visit from the minister
Troy Karlsson, who is studying automation engineering with a specialization in robotics, thought the Minister’s visit was a good thing, and that the Minister had a good understanding of the job market for students.
“The advice he gave was quite good. That’s a bit how I think too, that you should challenge yourself because that’s how you learn more, that you should take the chance and expose yourself to difficult things. I’m optimistic about the future and my job prospects,” says Troy.
For Mats Kihlman, head of the department for vocational education operations at the School of Engineering, the vocational education is an important complement to the range of education available at all post-secondary levels.
“I am pleased that the Minister, in addition to highlighting the important role of higher vocational education in ensuring a supply of skilled labour, emphasizes the importance of close collaboration with the business sector for all forms of education. I believe this is in line with what we are doing at the School of Engineering today, he says.
