Many members discussed continuing education in Akureyri

The meeting was moderated by media personality Stefán Valmundarson and began with an address from Jóhann Rúnar Sigurðsson, chairman of FMA. He reiterated the good cooperation between VMA and Iðan and emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with North Iceland. Professionals in the region needed to speak more and more often about their interests.

Iðan wants to shape education based on the needs of professionals

Vilborg Helga Harðardóttir, the managing director of Iðan, presented the educational centre's activities and future vision. She went over key figures and mentioned travel grants, lower course fees for members, Áttin, and the validation of prior learning.
Vilborg emphasised that Iðan wants to shape its services and education through direct dialogue with members and companies and encouraged people to sign up for courses, regardless of their field.

The leaders of several of Iðan's fields – Óskar Grétarsson for metal and mechanical engineering, Ólafur Ástgeirsson for building and construction, and Sigurður Svavar Indriðason for automotive trades – then presented the state of education in their respective fields.

Óskar described Iðan as a “bridge to knowledge” and pointed out that the same price applies throughout the country; with a minimum of four participants, a course can be held anywhere. The needs should shape the courses, and it is therefore important that members make their voices heard.

Ólafur reviewed the most popular courses in the building and construction trades, mentioning, among others, moisture measurement, window sealing, finishing of wet rooms, and sustainable buildings. He pointed out that a lack of facilities for practical training was a challenge, including at VMA.

Sigurður described major technological changes in the automotive trades and the popularity of courses on electric cars, refrigerants, basic electricity, ADAS systems, and aluminium in bodywork. He said it was his role to keep up with innovations, both at home and abroad, and to bring that knowledge to professionals in the field.

In a coffee break chat, which Harpa Björg Guðfinnsdóttir opened with a summary from a survey among the attendees, representatives from Slippurinn, Kraftbílar, the Association of Master Builders in North Iceland (MBN), SI, and VMA participated.

Members want to participate in promoting continuing education

It was noted that participation in Iðan's courses has generally been good and satisfaction with the education is high, but that more could be done to create a platform where members can request courses and share ideas. The importance of education for teachers in vocational schools was also discussed, as well as the need to better follow up with graduated students and encourage them to pursue continuing education.

Representatives from SI and VMA pointed out that Iceland is in a strong position regarding continuing and further education in an international comparison, but that the number of student places in vocational training needs to be increased and the potential of prior learning assessment for people with work experience needs to be better utilized.

In discussions from the floor, there were calls for increased awareness of Iðan's activities, and members were unanimous in their desire to participate in strengthening continuing education in North Iceland through better dialogue between companies, schools, professional associations, and the Iðan Education Centre.