A Job in Norway Almost Guaranteed. Graduates of These Fields Are in Demand
Fagskole can be a shorter route to employment in Norway than several years of study. Nearly 9 out of 10 graduates of higher vocational colleges find employment in the autumn after completing their education. In some fields, the share of people remaining unemployed is around 4%.
Fagskole usually lasts from six months to two years.
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Fagskole is a higher vocational college focused on practical preparation for work. Studies last from six months to two years, and programmes include technical, medical, social and maritime fields, among others. Both public and private institutions operate in Norway.
However, not every field offers the same prospects. Data show clear differences between individual disciplines, and employer demand is particularly evident in healthcare and construction. Where graduates find employment after completing their studies also matters.
However, not every field offers the same prospects. Data show clear differences between individual disciplines, and employer demand is particularly evident in healthcare and construction. Where graduates find employment after completing their studies also matters.
Fewest Unemployed in Several Sectors. Healthcare Stands Out in the Statistics
The lowest share of people without employment is around 4%. This applies to graduates of health, social, sports, teaching and pedagogical programmes. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) also points to worker shortages in healthcare and construction. Vocational colleges train staff specifically for these sectors, among others.
Among graduates of health, social and sports programmes, 78% enter health and social services. The situation is different in technical fields. Of graduates in natural sciences, crafts and technical programmes, 44% take up jobs in construction or industry. The highest share of unemployed people, 41%, is found among graduates of humanities and aesthetic programmes.
Among graduates of health, social and sports programmes, 78% enter health and social services. The situation is different in technical fields. Of graduates in natural sciences, crafts and technical programmes, 44% take up jobs in construction or industry. The highest share of unemployed people, 41%, is found among graduates of humanities and aesthetic programmes.
In the education hierarchy, fagskole is positioned between upper secondary school and traditional university studies.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standardowa/Atelier 211
A Certificate Is Not Always Necessary. Experience Also Counts
The standard route to fagskole is completing upper secondary education, or videregående opplæring. A candidate may also have general qualifications for admission to higher education. However, this does not mean that all programmes have identical requirements. For some, the school may require a vocational or journeyman's certificate, known as fag- eller svennebrev.
Admission based on realkompetanse is also possible. This refers to knowledge and skills acquired through work, volunteering or other education, among other activities. In the year of admission, a candidate using this route must generally turn at least 23, while in many arts programmes the age threshold is 19. In such an assessment, the school may not require a specific number of years of professional experience.
Admission based on realkompetanse is also possible. This refers to knowledge and skills acquired through work, volunteering or other education, among other activities. In the year of admission, a candidate using this route must generally turn at least 23, while in many arts programmes the age threshold is 19. In such an assessment, the school may not require a specific number of years of professional experience.
Completing fagskole can also open the way to further education. A programme worth 60–90 credits leads to the Fagskolegrad qualification, while at least 120 credits allow students to obtain a Høyere fagskolegrad. Two years of education at fagskole can also provide general eligibility for higher education to a person who did not previously have it.
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