Debate, Opinions | Bet on Haugalandet as a national center for vocational subjects!

Several actors have pointed to the need for a national center for vocational subjects, and this is supported by both the Hurdal platform and Statistics Norway’s estimate of the shortage of skilled workers in the future. Haugalandet, which already has a strong commitment to vocational education, is a natural choice for such a centre. With a large maritime sector, a focus on green transition and established cooperation structures, Haugalandet can be the key to meeting the future’s need for qualified labour.

Look at Haugalandet with new eyes

And then it is time to look at Haugalandet with new eyes, not only as a region with a strong industrial foundation, but as a potential catalyst for national, outstanding vocational education. We believe that the work Haugaland Vekst has done with cooperation between the vocational subjects and industry is a solid starting point for establishing a National Center for Vocational Subjects. Something that could give a significant boost to vocational and vocational training at national level.

Strong foundations in the region

Haugalandet has a well-established forum that works effectively at the intersection between the education system and working and business life. This forum has already been actively involved in strengthening vocational and vocational education through competence mapping and strategic measures, and it has proven to be a success by bringing together different players to play each other well.

Here, Haugaland Vekst has done a great job that the whole county and the nation should see and benefit from. They are already working in line with the broad definition of vocational and vocational education necessary for a national centre. It includes collaboration throughout the entire educational process, from primary school to higher education and on to working life. This diversity of measures ensures relevant and adapted training that meets the needs of society and business.

Most apprentices and increasing needs

According to Statistics Norway’s estimate, we may lack as many as 90,000 skilled workers in Norway. In addition, the need for skilled vocational teachers is increasing. Rogaland, together with the rest of Western Norway, has a great need for skilled workers for our business and public enterprises. Rogaland is today the county with the most apprentices in the whole country, and with the best results in vocational training.

Haugalandet is home to large industries that are in the middle of the green shift. Their strong interest in future, relevant professional and vocational training makes Haugalandet an ideal place for a national centre. We are already seeing examples of successful collaborations for the circular economy and a strong maritime business community that operates both nationally and internationally.

National pilot for outstanding vocational education

The fact that Rogaland already has a pilot for the Center for Outstanding Higher Vocational Education is very positive. This shows that the region already has experience and expertise in the area and is ready to take on greater responsibility nationally.

The Rogaland center party took the initiative in the county council to front Haugalandet in this work. But the county council only decided to take the initiative that the center should be located in Rogaland, unfortunately. Here we mean that the train has not yet left if the whole of Haugalandet works together!

The center party in Haugesund will work for this center to come to Haugalandet.

Therefore, with this solid foundation, we encourage all political parties in Haugalandet to work against their party colleagues both in the county and in Parliament. It is time to gather strength and raise Haugalandet as a national center for vocational subjects. This will not only benefit the region directly, but have a positive impact on the entire nation’s vocational and vocational training. Let’s shape the future of education and working life in Norway together!