As part of the QUAHVET project, Folkuniversitetet Uppsala (Sweden) led a successful series of pilot activities aimed at improving collaboration between Higher Vocational Education and Training (HVET) and Upper Secondary Schools. The goal was to increase student awareness of HVET options and inspire more informed education and career choices.
Key Objective:
To create a stronger connection between guidance staff in HVET and Upper Secondary Schools, ensuring that students receive relevant and motivating information about their future pathways.
Highlights from the Pilot Phase
🔹 Guidance Webinar – November 2024
A digital session for 15 study and career counselors in Uppsala Municipality, where HVET coordinators presented programs and responded to questions. The webinar fostered deeper dialogue around eligibility, dropout factors, and job prospects after graduation.
🔹 Joint Inspiration Day – April 2025
A face-to-face event with over 50 participants, including students, teachers, counselors, and job coaches. It combined presentations, networking, and individual guidance sessions, receiving positive feedback for its interactive and cross-functional approach.
🔹 Extensive Outreach Activities (Oct 2024 – May 2025)
Folkuniversitetet delivered information sessions and workshops across multiple schools and institutions, reaching approximately 150 students. Key events included school presentations, digital lectures, a fair, and dedicated meetings between HVET and upper secondary stakeholders.
Key Achievements
- Raised awareness of HVET opportunities among upper secondary students.
- Strengthened partnerships between educational institutions and guidance staff.
- Promoted inclusive guidance, aiming to reduce gender-based choices in education.
- Encouraged dialogue between educators and local employers to reflect real labor market needs.
Lessons Learned & Next Steps
Planning and role clarity were found essential for success. Interactive, program-specific sessions had the highest impact. Moving forward, Folkuniversitetet plans to:
- Establish a shared annual guidance calendar with partner schools.
- Increase HVET visits to classrooms.
- Deepen collaboration with employers.
- Introduce regular feedback from students to improve content and delivery.
These efforts contribute directly to the QUAHVET project’s mission to improve the quality and relevance of guidance within the VET sector across Europe.
