Elin Eika Bringa’s chronicle at news Ytring is thought-provoking. We need practical knowledge and skills more than in a long time. The transformation of Norway is not a theoretical exercise. It is largely a practical challenge. When we have to adopt new technology, work smarter and phase in green solutions, we quickly get down to the nitty-gritty. Someone actually has to do it. People who can use both head and hands. Who has practical knowledge, skills and experience, and thus can find practical solutions. By 2035, we will lack around 90,000 skilled workers, according to Statistics Norway. Already today, the shortage is felt in industry and in several places in working life. The work to highlight practical abilities and interests must start on the first day of school. We are in full swing! Teachers across the country are asking for more resources for equipment and practical learning arenas. We have listened to that. We have therefore proposed NOK 127 million for practical equipment in Norwegian classrooms in the 2024 budget. We are also planning an interest compensation scheme of NOK 1 billion annually for the next eight years. The money will go towards larger investments in practical learning arenas, such as school kitchens and playrooms, but also learning arenas that can contribute to more practical learning in subjects other than the classic practical and aesthetic subjects. In 2024, we will present a report to the Storting, where the aim is to make grades 5 to 10 more practical and varied, so that pupils can enjoy themselves and learn better. We agree with Bringa that pupils need more practical and varied training throughout their school years. When students gain more practical experience at school, it also becomes easier for them to choose vocational training. In addition, the government is investing heavily in vocational subjects. That is why we are strengthening our work to secure an apprenticeship for everyone who wants to take a vocational or journeyman’s certificate. This year, we have set aside NOK 458 million for this work. In the national budget for 2024, we propose to strengthen the scheme to a total of NOK 485 million. From the autumn of 2024, a right to take a new vocational certificate will also be introduced, even if you already have one, or you have completed study qualifications. Then even more people can pass vocational subjects, regardless of age and life situation. Vocational schools will have a greater role in training professional competence, and further training the workforce throughout the country. In addition, we will prioritize study places within technical subjects, health and care subjects and areas that are particularly important for the green shift. The government is also giving a boost to education throughout the country. Through the investment in flexible and decentralized education, we will facilitate educating people where they live, based on local competence needs. At the same time, business and industry must do their bit by offering attractive workplaces and apprenticeships. We have fantastic skilled workers in this country. The youth must be given the opportunity to learn from the best. Few things create more motivation in school than good opportunities in working life. If we are to grasp the great opportunities Norway has, we need more hands to grasp. Because just as the hand is man’s foremost tool in practical life, the hands are also central to the development of the sustainable, green, Norwegian business life of the future. Read the chronicle:
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Without practitioners we do not succeed – Statement
