Many feared that the pandemic would lead to a tighter labor market for newly-skilled workers, but new figures from the Education Directorate show that employment is increasing and that more people are now working than before the pandemic.
– The fact that more people quickly find a job after completing their education proves that qualified employees have the competencies sought in professional life. I also believe that this highlights the importance of actively combating drop-outs and more apprenticeships on the way to professional qualifications and working life, says Education Minister Tonje Brenna.
Employment among newly qualified employees has remained at a stable high level in recent years. According to new data, it has increased by two percentage points compared to last year. Data from the Directorate of Education shows that 83 percent of those who passed the vocational or apprentice exam in 2021 and 2022 are in work one year after leaving school. This is an increase compared to the pre-pandemic state.
– I am very happy that so many newly qualified employees start working immediately after completing their education. This shows that our investment in vocational subjects is working. Norway needs many more skilled workers and I hope this will inspire everyone who is considering or has started a professional education to complete it with a professional certificate. We will need all the heads and hands we have in the coming years, says Brenna.
The rate of completion of vocational subjects is 20 percentage points lower than in the case of preparatory studies. The main reason is still that many students do not receive an apprenticeship.
– Over NOK 2023 billion will be spent on subjects and vocational qualifications in XNUMX. These include tracking students more closely throughout their school years in vocational subjects and when they start a business as apprentices. As well as getting more apprenticeships and focusing on quality vocational training, says Brenna.
Innlandet and Trøndelag employ the most newly qualified workers
The number of people who get a job one year after the vocational test varies from region to region. The percentage is highest in Innlandet and Trøndelag at 85 percent. In Nordland, 84 percent work a year after completing their education. The percentage is lowest in Møre and Romsdal at 78 percent.
Employment also varies depending on educational programs. Those who have studied civil engineering have highest rate employment, amounting to 89 percent. The lowest employment rate is among those who studied design and crafts. There, 74 percent of new graduates work a year after receiving their diploma.
– We know that many industries are already struggling to recruit qualified employees. By 2035 in Norway may have a shortage of almost 90 skilled workers. The government is working to make vocational education good and relevant so that more people choose vocational subjects and graduate with a vocational certificate. Then we need to have a more practical, varied and adapted school routine, which means that we lose as little as possible along the way, says Brenna.
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Source: regjeringen
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