“They’re very curious and motivated”

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. Fredrik Krekula, Development and s Manager at Sherpas, has had positive experiences with students from vocational college programs. 

What has been the greatest benefit for your company in hosting LIA students?

– It may be that we have the opportunity to evaluate a potential future employee more thoroughly; at the same time, we have also benefited from the work the students have produced in the projects they’ve participated in. Another positive aspect is that our employees have found the students’ fresh contributions and perspectives on our work and workplace to be positive and rewarding.

In what ways have LIA students been involved in the organization during their internship?

– They have been integrated into one of our agile development teams and have been able to participate in our day-to-day development work on both internal and client projects. In other words, they have worked as closely as possible to a software developer who is already employed by us. 

Have you been able to adapt or influence the content of the programs through your collaboration with YH?

– We have been involved in evaluating and have also had the opportunity to influence, primarily, the higher vocational education programs planned for the near future in the local area. 

Is there anything else you’d like to mention regarding the vocational college and the partnership with your company?

– We’ve had a great experience with the students we’ve had from vocational college programs. They’re very curious and motivated, with a strong desire to work in the field they’re studying. And, of course, we’re grateful to have the opportunity to influence the focus of potential programs so that they’re a better fit for both the students and the companies where they’ll hopefully work after graduation.