“The collaboration provides great opportunities to influence”

TechSverige has launched an initiative aimed at encouraging more employers to offer so-called LIA internships to students in IT programs at vocational colleges. The initiative aims to strengthen the supply of skilled workers and improve the alignment between education and the labor market. Anna Gunlycke, Head of People & Talent Growth at WirelessCar, sees several positive effects of participating.

What value does being represented in a management group for a higher vocational education program bring to you as an employer?
– Our involvement gives us the opportunity to influence and adapt the programs to the demands of the labor market, both based on the needs of our company and the business community at large. It also creates a valuable network and a common understanding with other companies, which we see as a clear benefit.

How have you been able to influence the content of the program to better reflect the actual skills needs of the industry and your company?
– We have the opportunity to influence the content of the program by adjusting the focus on different parts of the course for future cohorts. This may involve minor adjustments in line with current market trends. For example, agile working methods require students entering the workforce to be open-minded and flexible in both their tools and working methods.

How do you feel that cooperation within the management group strengthens the quality and relevance of the training?
– Cooperation provides great opportunities to influence and strengthen the quality of training. However, it is important that each company takes responsibility and is actively involved. A key question is what role you have as a representative – do you represent your own company or your industry as a whole? It requires the ability to think both narrowly and broadly, as well as clarity about the role and expectations.

What would you say to other employers who have not yet joined a management group – why should they do so?
– In the tech industry, it is in everyone's interest to increase the attractiveness of the industry. Higher vocational education programs play an important role in this, especially since they are often more agile than universities. By participating in a management group, you get a direct opportunity to influence the content and focus of the program. It's a way to contribute both to your own company and to society at large.