Recent government reports show that vocational schools across the country have seen a sharp increase in student numbers. This fall, more than 4000 more students study in vocational schools than in the same period last year. In total, more than 20 people are currently enrolled in vocational education.
Vocational schools are a priority
The government has prioritized vocational schools, both thanks to money for more places and improved quality, but also thanks to the completely new regulations on vocational schools. The fact that there are currently several thousand new students in vocational schools proves that this initiative is right, says Minister of Science and Higher Education Henrik Asheim (H). Particularly large growth concerns economic and administrative, technical and health subjects.
- Not everyone wants a long academic education. Vocational education is also well structured for those who work, have a mortgage and have a family, but need a professional complement of knowledge. We also know that working life requires more professionals in the coming years, says Asheim.
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Great demand for employees with vocational education
It's good that we fight records in numbers students of vocational schools. However, we still have work to do so that more people can see the offer schools that we have in Norway. The goal for the future must be that we will be able to fill all our seats and have enough applicants. Our goal is to be able to create even more places for learning, says Asheim.
Demand continues to grow
Great demand for employees with vocational education In the next twenty years it will increase for employees with trade certificates and vocational training aimed at industry, construction, craftsmanship and health sciences. In these areas, demand is expected to increase more than labor. The budget for the next year includes appropriations for continuation and an increase in funding for 1600 study places, in addition to about 500 new study places at Industrifagskulen.
. Capabilities and quality
In total, this government has provided funding for 2238 university places next year. It is important that the increase in the number of places does not affect the quality of the offer. The ambition is a vocational school with a strong professional environment, providing education adapted to professional life. Spring the government will present a separate strategy for vocational schools, which will focus on both capabilities and quality, says Asheim.
