“We are convinced that an important part of meeting the needs of our members, both current and future, is to shape our services and education through direct dialogue with members and companies in the industry. That's why we are here today, to have that conversation with you,” said Harpa Björg Guðfinnsdóttir, Head of Development and Knowledge at Iðan Education Centre, at an educational meeting with members in Reyðarfjörður.
The theme of the meeting was Make an Impact and is part of Iðan's ongoing work to strengthen ties with the business community throughout the country, promote its course offerings, and encourage increased participation in continuing education by meeting the needs of each region.
The meeting began with a presentation on the activities and diverse services of Iðan Education Centre. Þorbjörg Ólöf Jónsdóttir presented the work of Austurbrú, which has worked in good cooperation with Iðan to promote the possibilities of accreditation of prior learning, as well as to analyse the educational needs of companies.
Following this, Marín Jónsdóttir from Almannarómur gave a presentation on artificial intelligence for individuals and companies. An interview with Ingvar Guðmundsson, a master carpenter at Launafl, was also shown, which highlighted how much targeted education matters in the local community.
After lively discussions and group work, where the needs and opportunities for continuing education in the region's industry were mapped out, guests could chat over pizza and beer.
Members requested more local courses in the region and in North Iceland, as transportation and related disruptions are a major obstacle for locals seeking continuing and further education. The difficult operating environment for companies in Iceland and the shortage of skilled professionals in East Iceland were also discussed. There is great progress and growth in the business sector that needs to be systematically supported.
“We need more hands,” said Markús Eyþórsson, the managing director and owner of Bílaverkstæði Austurlands, who mentioned a foreseeable shortage of skilled trade professionals in East Iceland across many trades.