19 tech courses granted within the University of Applied Sciences 

In the application round for YH courses in spring 2023, the Swedish Higher Vocational Education Authority (MYH) has decided to grant 19 new courses out of 39 applied for in the field of education data / IT. TechSverige welcomes the decisions, including in cybersecurity and AI where the shortage is great, but at the same time emphasizes that the demand for digital skills will require more investments.

This year's funding allocation has particularly prioritized courses that contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda, where tech is a cornerstone of many of the solutions required to achieve the climate goals. 

- Based on the 2030 Agenda, more courses in tech should have been prioritized. The potential of digitalization to reduce emissions through extensive societal changes, more efficient processes and new ways of working is crucial to reduce the climate footprint," says Ana Andric, industry policy expert at TechSverige. 

Ana Andric underlines that the allocation is also based on other decision-making criteria, but says that the needs of the sector need to be taken into account. 

- Access to digital skills is a crucial prerequisite for the competitiveness and growth of the entire business sector, as well as for welfare and the sustainable development of society. 

Extra funds for more places

However, there is a ray of hope as the government has proposed extra funds in the spring bill to be able to grant additional places. Provided that the proposal is approved by the Riksdag, MYH will be able to grant additional places from July 2023.  

- "TechSverige welcomes more investments in courses within the university of applied sciences, it is a way to quickly increase access to skills development and transition where needed," says Ana Andric.