Vocational education and training in Sweden

Summery

This publication contributes to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Sweden and how it operates within the socioeconomic context.

n Sweden, learners can follow upper secondary initial VET programmes in school-based form or as an apprenticeship, achieving a qualification at EQF level 4. At higher VET, 1- to 2-year and 2- to 3-year VET programmes are offered at EQF levels 5 and 6. 
The employment rate of VET graduates is higher than the EU-27 average, but the share of initial VET learners in total upper secondary education is quite low (35.6%). The country has above 34% participation in lifelong learning, the highest among the EU-27 Member States. 
Lack of teachers, ICT specialists and the skills mismatch between labour market needs and graduate qualifications are current challenges for the country. To increase the attractiveness of VET, several measures were launched, such as facilitating progression to higher education.