Adult Education in Sweden: Komvux, Särvux, SFI & Labour Market Training

Adult education in Sweden has been around for a long time. This type of education exists in many forms and is provided by different operators. In Sweden adult education is a term used to describe education for adults provided by the municipality, labour market training or vocational education, on the job training and skill enhancement courses at the workplace. Education for adults that is provided by the government of Sweden consists of three main categories: municipal adult education (Komvux), education for adults with learning disabilities (Särvux) and Swedish for Immigrants (SFI). Given below is a brief explanation of each of these categories.

Komvux

Municipal adult education in Sweden includes basic as well as upper secondary education for adults who do not have these compulsory qualifications. Individuals must contact their municipality to find out if they are eligible to apply for a komvux course. For example those who are looking for Komvux i Jönköping, will need to contact the Jönköping to find out if they are eligible and which center they need to visit. Municipal adult education was introduced in 1968 to make the Swedish workforce more competitive and ensure that it is capable of meeting the needs of changing work environments. Today, adults can opt for distansutbildningar and accommodate their studies around their daily studies.

Särvux

This type of education courses are specifically designed for adults that have learning disabilities. The same curriculum used for Komvux is used for Särvux, however the syllabi and time-tables are adapted to suit the needs of adults with learning disabilities. Students can choose programs based on their individual experience and training. Thus the programs help adults achieve skills in individual subjects. Särvux programs help those with learning disabilities complete the requirements for compulsory school and upper secondary vocational training requirements.

SFI

Adult immigrants that move to Sweden may not know the Swedish language or be familiar with the Swedish culture. This is where SFI courses can be very useful. The municipality is obligated to offer adult immigrants such programs. These courses help newcomers gain Swedish spoken and written communication skills. As they learn about the local culture they find it easier to adapt and integrate into Swedish society.

Labour Market Training

A policy tool of the labour market, labout market training is geared toward unemployed individuals. The aim of this type of training is to provide individuals with vocational training. This type of training is meant to help unemployed individuals increase their chances of getting employed. The National Labour Market Board is provided with funds at the parliament’s discretion. These funds are distributed between the country’s employment offices and labour boards. These local institutes will then decide which training programs to purchase from various education organizers.

One institute that provides Labour Market Training, SFI courses and Komvux i Göteborg and other cities in Sweden is Hermods. More information is available on their website.

 

How SFI Stockholm Can be Beneficial for Immigrants

It is important to learn the local language if one plans on settling in a new country. Though citizens of Scandinavian countries like Sweden do speak English, the primary language of communication is Swedish. To integrate properly into Swedish society it is important to know the language. This is why immigrants should sign up for a SFI course. Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) is a free language course offered by the government of Sweden, to immigrants. The course aims to teach basic written and spoken Swedish communication skills. It also provides new comers with an introduction to Swedish culture. The course is available nationwide for immigrants of all categories however immigrants who speak Danish or Norwegian cannot apply for free Swedish tuition through SFI. Given below is more information on SFI kurser and how it can be helpful for immigrants.

Eligibility

Immigrants need to contact the municipality that they are living in to find out if they are eligible to apply for an SFI course. For instance someone who is registered with the Stockholm municipality will have to contact them and find out where SFI Stockholm courses are available. To be eligible for these free courses immigrants must have a residence permit and be at least 16 years of age. Immigrants will also require their full national registration number. Thos who do not meet these criteria can contact their municipality to find out what their next step needs to be.

Timing

All schools that offer SFI courses provide lessons during the day and during evening hours. Daytime courses require a commitment of 15-20 hrs each week. Evening courses take up around 6 hours each week. Those who are unable to attend class on specific days of the week can talk to the school and avail a customized timetable. Some schools have the option of distance learning. This gives immigrants the option to learn and work at the same time. Schools provide so many timing options to make it easier for immigrants to structure their studies around their commitments.

Civic Orientation

Civic orientation is a topic that is covered in SFI courses. The subject is designed to help new comers understand Swedish society and how it works. The course makes it easier for immigrants to settle into work and societal settings in Sweden.

Networking

SFI courses are a great place for immigrants to meet other people who are new to the country. They can share their experiences and make friends. Seniors at a school can give new students advice and help them settle into the country. SFI courses are a good opportunity for immigrants to build a support system and network.

Career

Completing a SFI course increases the chances of an immigrant getting employed. Individuals who are proficient in the Swedish language will be able to secure better paying jobs. Having written and spoken Swedish skills will allow new comers to consider a wider range of jobs and help them jump start their career.

Navigation

Knowing the language will make it easier for immigrants to navigate the city and be independent. They will not have to struggle to accomplish simple tasks because they cannot communicate with the locals.

One school that offers SFI and Komvux courses in Sweden is Hermods. More information is available on their website.

Why Opt for a Yrkeshögskola Distanse Program

In a world that is often referred to as a global village, almost every aspect of everyday life has a  virtual presence. Is it a wonder then that distance education programs, pursued online, are  popular options amongst students? This is especially true for working professionals who get the  freedom to opt for higher training in yrkeshögskola distans programs, thereby, propelling their  career trajectory. This is because these courses allow students to keep their skills current and  ensure that any possible workplace demands are met by students pursuing these programs.

Several countries are introducing polices and courses that support distance learning programs.  In Sweden, there are many freestanding courses that are offered as distance learning courses;  students have the freedom to combine courses and once they meet the qualitative  requirements, general qualifications are awarded (Universitetskanslersämbetet, HIGHER  EDUCATION IN SWEDEN, 2013). There are many advantages to pursuing distance learning  programs from polytechnics, as listed below:

Studying at Your Own Pace

One of the biggest advantages of a polytechnic program is the freedom to pursue the course at  a pace that suits the student. To finish the course, it is important for students to be motivated  and timely. Several students use the flexibility as an option to finish their courses quicker than  full-time students, earning them their qualifications sooner.

Freedom of Choice

Living in Stockholm would in no way mean that a student needs to complete his course from an  yrkeshögskola i stockholm. In fact, an oft-used advantage of distance learning programs is the  ability to study at an institute half way across the country, from the comfort of your bedroom. It is this freedom that draws many students to distance learning programs.

Cost Effective

Compared to a full-time course, prices for distance education programs can be much lower. There is also the added reduction in costs incurred during commuting, moving to another city, getting on-campus meal plans, etc. This makes polytechnic courses done distantly a good  option to seriously consider.

Learn and Earn

One of the biggest advantages of a distance education program is the freedom it allows  students to work and study at the same time. While some of these courses can be intensive,  they still allow students to work on the side. This gives students a steady income, stability and  work experience which can help them better their career path.

Of course there are some courses like PT-utbildning that need students to have more hands-on  training, but with courses that are adaptable to a distance learning structure, these may be a  great choice to make. Institutes like Hermods have trainers who are always available to keep  students up to date and help them develop into better professionals. For students who stay on  the other end of the country from the institutes that offer the courses they are seeking,  distance learning is a boon.

Analysis of Adult Education & Other Learning in Sweden

Through a system proposed in Sweden, each student had to be offered an individual study plan depending on their ability. The New Education Act and Ordinance on Adult Education became valid for municipal adult education and SFI in July 2012 along with other similar educational courses. This form of education system was to be based on needs and requirements of eachindividual. (government.se, ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN SWEDEN, 2013). Currently in Sweden, one can take up adult education courses as distansutbildningar too. This is applicable for those individuals who are unable to dedicate time for work and study. The internet makes it easier to access through all of these courses. Mentioned below are few analysis and information on adult education (Komvux) and other courses in Sweden.

Municipal adult education

Municipal adult education was established in the year 1968 after passing of Government Bill which concerned several measures taken in the field of adult education. The adult education offered at basic level was intended to offer students with skills, knowledge, and information and encourage them to participate in all societal roles. This study was to prepare adults for pursuing future studies. In the upper secondary level, municipal adult education encouraged students with skills, knowledge and competence to a level equivalent to upper secondary school training. The first preference was to be given to qualified applicants with short notice from last formal education during selecting process. At all stages of training, all students obtained grades and certificates. Individuals who are unable to devote time to studying full time can apply for komvux på distans.

SFI

The whole aim of SFI is to provide basic information on Swedish language. It also aims to offer immigrants the opportunity to study Swedish. This course allows individuals to develop their own skills of writing and communication skills in Swedish. This course is intended for further study as well. SFI is made available after individual’s registration as resident of municipality within three months. Depending on individual’s educational background and previous knowledge, students are placed in various programs. All students are required to complete the highest course.

Other Supplementary Courses

Supplementary courses are not part of any school systems. These courses are opened by independent educational owners. These providers are either private individuals or organizations. These courses can improve upper secondary education and are solely concentrated on a certain vocational area. These courses offered in these areas are art, theatre, media, music, dance, aviation, etc. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education allows state grants to these programmes. There are several training companies which offer wide range of full time and utbildning distans courses. One good training company to consult is Hermods. They offer different courses such as SFI and adult education. More information and details can be found on their website.