Greatly increased collaboration between industry and schools in workplace learning
A public directory of companies offering workplace learning will become a reality, marking a milestone. Over the past five years, the number of vocational students has increased by 30%. Vocational students can graduate earlier and have the opportunity to enter university studies after graduation.
A new registry of companies, master craftspeople, and institutions offering workplace learning will become part of a digital portfolio, marking a milestone in student services. Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education and Culture, launched the registry and welcomed the necessary and positive changes to workplace learning today. A digital portfolio is currently being implemented in all vocational training. It facilitates communication between schools and workplaces and is where evidence of a student's performance in the workplace is recorded. Workplace learning in all trades has been mapped out, and the skills required for each trade have been broken down into tasks that are assessed at each workplace and recorded in the digital portfolio.
Competence now determines progress in vocational training
Competence, not the number of weeks spent at a workplace, now determines progress, as was previously the case. Students therefore have the opportunity to graduate earlier than before. Additionally, a timely change has been introduced allowing vocational students to gain admission to universities upon graduation. Last spring, amendments to the Higher Education Act were passed in Alþingi, opening the door for students with vocational education to begin studies at the university level. In conjunction with this, a special promotional campaign for vocational training was launched. The results have been quick to follow. Over the past five years, the number of vocational students has increased by 30%.
Successful collaboration is the key to change
The changes to the conditions for students in the trades are the result of successful collaboration between industry and schools. The need to increase opportunities for vocational training in Iceland, simplify its administration, and make the surrounding system more efficient has long been pointed out, with the goal of better supporting students and providing more professional services. With this in mind, the Ministry of Education and Culture has undertaken extensive work, bringing numerous stakeholders to the table. This enhanced service, professionalism, and collaboration will reduce dropout rates from vocational training, which will yield multiple benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
