Contract education meets the needs of the electricity industry
Collaboration between Luleå University of Technology and Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service) in contract education for foreign-born engineers is expanding. Two new fast tracks programs in electrical power and energy technology will meet the industry's need for skilled workers.
Facts
The subject of electrical power engineering includes the study of sustainable systems for electricity generation, transportation of electrical energy and the interaction between electricity networks, electricity generation and electricity use.
Energy engineering includes the development of technologies and processes for a sustainable energy supply. Research focuses on biofuel technology and energy efficient use in industry and society.
There is a great demand for engineers in the energy sector, not least because of extensive electrification and the ongoing transition to a fossil-free society. On behalf of the Swedish Public Employment Service, Luleå University of Technology is therefore starting two new distance education programs based on the fast track method for university and civil engineers without or with limited experience of Swedish working life.
– The goal is to contribute to strategic skills supply that strengthens both the individual and society. The fast tracks give people with foreign education the opportunity to supplement and obtain important and specific skills that are in demand on the Swedish labor market. In addition, the courses contribute a piece of the puzzle in the great societal transition," says Ivan Cvitic, investigator and coordinator of the fast track at the Swedish Public Employment Service.
Welcomed by the industry
The Swedish Public Employment Service and the social partners in the energy sector have been cooperating for some years on issues relating to the establishment of new arrivals in the labor market. Together with the industry organizations, some occupational directions with a great need for skills have been identified.
– "The industry association is very positive about collaboration on skills supply in general and for specific initiatives to be successful, it is often necessary to collaborate to get a good outcome," says Elin Fellers, project coordinator at Energiföretagen Sverige.
Starts in the fall of 2021
The courses are conducted remotely starting in the fall of 2021 and consist of four course modules totaling 30 credits. They are conducted via lectures, seminars, laboratory work, project and group assignments and study visits.
– We are proud of the Swedish Public Employment Service's confidence in the university as a supplier of commissioned education and look forward to the start-up, says Erik Elfgren Senior Lecturer in Energy Technology at Luleå University of Technology.
It is the first time that the subjects Electrical Power and Energy Engineering design a commissioned education for this target group, therefore, previous collaborations between the Employment Service and Luleå University of Technology have facilitated the process.
– Through Phillip Tretten, Head of Education for Operation and Maintenance Technology who previously developed a fast track course, we have generously been given access to contacts, experience and inspiration, which we of course appreciate, says Erik Elfgren.
Key role in skills supply
LTU Professional Education, the university's organization for further education of professionals has a key role in ensuring skills supply and individuals' lifelong learning.
– The successful collaboration between Luleå University of Technology and the Swedish Public Employment Service shows how important it is for different actors to collaborate in order for Sweden to meet the skills needs that exist and at the same time be able to offer people good opportunities for lifelong learning. Therefore, it is positive that we can now expand this collaboration with two new courses in electric power and energy technology, two areas that are incredibly important for the green transition and for the business establishments that take place in northern Sweden, says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology.
Contact
Pernilla Tingvall
- Samverkansstrateg
- 0920-491920
- pernilla.tingvall@ltu.se
- Pernilla Tingvall
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