With its programmes in fields where competence is needed and with its solid collaboration with both the public and private sectors, Dalarna University contributes to a high degree in the provision of professionals that will serve the region well in the future.
The challenges faced by employers to hire the right competence have been a concern for many years now. The lack of teachers, healthcare professionals and engineers is a daily subject of discussion and one Dalarna University is very much aware of. To date in 2018 alone, it has seen 267 nurses, 545 teachers and 47 engineers graduate from its programmes.
"The programmes we offer are a result of both what students are looking for as well as what the needs within society at large are. We work closely with companies and other organisations within Dalarna, and together with regional actors, we aim to develop the skills required at the regional level," states Martin Norsell, Vice-Chancellor at Dalarna University.
The work-integrated teacher education programmes that are currently running at the University have been a great success and attracted national interest. As a result of collaboration with local councils, students are employed as teachers at the same time as they pursue their studies. This successful concept has brought with it great interest from applicants. Now the local county council, Landstinget Dalarna, aims to incorporate the concept into its strategy within nursing.
"By way of our collaboration with local councils, the University has helped to provide competence to schools and the healthcare system," explains Jonas Tosteby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education, at Dalarna University.
"In the field of engineering, we also have various forms of collaboration that have had positive results," he continues. "We adapt and improve our programmes in consultation with business and industry so as to help meet the needs that exist in professional life. The input we receive is invaluable in our efforts to educate engineers that have the necessary competence. Our engineering graduates have great employability."
"Together with industry, we have developed our programmes to meet the needs of the job market at the same time as we make them more attractive. For example, our new master's programme in Material Technology is the result of hard work at the University and collaboration with clusters such as Triple Steelix, IUC, and the region's businesses in that field of industry," says Patrick Kenger, Faculty Director for Material and Technology.