Fréttir
29. April 2026
Vilborg Helga Harðardóttir writes

The key to a strong future for the industry

The key to a strong future for the industry

Iðan celebrates its 20th anniversary and has built up a powerful educational center that meets the growing need for continuing education and skills development in the business sector.

This is a major milestone; this year, Iðan is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In these two decades, we have built a powerful educational center that has evolved in line with the needs of the industry and society as a whole.

The diversity of Iðan's educational activities is extensive and has been growing, both in terms of content and delivery methods. This development is no coincidence but a direct result of the changing demands of the labor market and rapid technological advancements. Our goal is also to meet people where they are and enable a broad group to increase their knowledge and skills in ways that suit each individual.

Our operations have grown steadily. Last year, we offered around 500 courses with nearly 5,000 participants, which is about a 15% increase from the previous year. These numbers speak for themselves; the need for continuing education is greater than ever before.

It is our responsibility at Iðan to respond to this need. We must constantly listen to the industry, monitor developments, and ensure that the education we offer is useful to people in their jobs. Whether it's new technology, changing demands, or new challenges, our goal is to be one step ahead.

Iðan's activities are wide-ranging. In addition to courses, we conduct validation of prior learning, provide educational and career counseling, and manage journeyman's examinations in 29 trades. The demand for skilled tradespeople in society is high, and job opportunities are plentiful. It is therefore gratifying that enrollment in vocational education has been increasing in recent years. The validation of prior learning has also proven to be a powerful tool that has opened up pathways for many to have their skills assessed, shortening the path to a journeyman's certificate and, consequently, to professional certification.

International cooperation is also a key element of our work. By seeking knowledge from abroad and participating in international projects, we help ensure that education here at home is comparable to and in line with the best practices found elsewhere.

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: continuing education will become increasingly important. It is essential for maintaining skills, adapting to change, and ensuring the competitiveness of Icelandic industry. It is also a key to each individual's personal development.

I would therefore especially like to encourage you to explore our offerings and take advantage of the opportunities they present. Not least, I want to remind you to use the anniversary gift we've given you, as it is intended to support you in strengthening your position in the labor market and acquiring new knowledge.

We at Iðan will continue to develop our work and support you in enhancing your skills. It is our collective task to ensure that we are ready for the future.

I wish you success in your studies and career,

Vilborg Helga Harðardóttir

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