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The sixth session of the Community of Practice (CoP) Workshop, led by Folkuniversitetet in Sweden, took place on 22 May 2024. The workshop, titled “Swedish Integration Programmes for Refugees and Job Seekers”, focused on addressing the challenges and exploring solutions for integrating refugees and job seekers into the Swedish labour market.

Notable presentations included discussions on Korta Vägen (“Short Route”), a programme for academically educated immigrants, the Match and Attach initiative, and projects supporting employment opportunities for Ukrainians. Following the speaker sessions, the event featured breakout groups that facilitated targeted discussions on the use of digital tools in skills development, effective competence-building for the integration of Ukrainian refugees, and employer recognition of immigrants’ qualifications.

Refugee integration programs in Sweden

Presentations

Key Insights

Fast-Track Integration Pathways

Programmes such as Short Route and Match and Attach are among Sweden’s most effective models for the rapid integration of refugees and unemployed individuals into the labour market. These programmes typically include:

  1. Career coaching and labour market orientation

  2. Swedish language proficiency assessment

  3. Academic and workplace-based training

  4. Digital literacy and job application support

They combine personalised guidance with practical work experience to enhance employability.

Language Proficiency as a Core Challenge

The Swedish language barrier remains the greatest obstacle to both social and professional integration. Many programmes therefore include:

  1. Swedish language courses

  2. Language learning embedded in vocational training

  3. Support with interview preparation and workplace communication

Language proficiency is regarded as essential for securing stable employment, fostering social participation, and achieving long-term self-sufficiency.

Digital & Systemic Support for Inclusion

Initiatives such as Work for Ukrainians and Care for Health Care aim to foster self-reliance and social inclusion through:

  1. Personalised employment counselling

  2. Health promotion and competence development

  3. Use of platforms such as Jobbmatchad to connect job seekers with employers

However, experts emphasise the need for stronger digital skills training and improved recognition of qualifications to ensure that refugees’ competencies are fully utilised.

Practical Tools and Methods

Career Support for Academically Educated Immigrants: CV and Cover Letter Workshops

Tailored workshops are provided to support participants in developing professional CVs and cover letters that align with local standards and effectively showcase their qualifications. These sessions are particularly valuable for internationally educated professionals seeking employment in Sweden, offering hands-on guidance from career advisers and peer feedback within a collaborative setting. Participants complete the workshops with refined application materials and increased confidence in their job search capabilities.

Language Integration and Employment Readiness: Swedish Language Training

Recognising the importance of language proficiency for both integration and employment, the programme offers comprehensive Swedish language courses. These are tailored to participants’ professional backgrounds and aligned with labour market demands. Instructors deliver practical, workplace-oriented language modules that support the development of both general communication and sector-specific vocabulary. The language training is further complemented by cultural orientation sessions to foster social inclusion.

Career Coaching for Labor Market Navigation

Participants benefit from one-to-one career coaching designed to help them navigate the Swedish labour market, identify transferable skills and develop realistic career pathways. Coaches provide individualised support in setting career goals, analysing job market trends and exploring upskilling opportunities. Particular emphasis is placed on assisting newcomers in aligning their prior education and professional experience with employment opportunities in Sweden.

Modular Training for Personalized Employment Pathways

A modular training approach is employed to provide a flexible and personalised learning experience. This includes career guidance sessions, academic counselling and job-specific skills training tailored to individual career aspirations. The programme is designed to accommodate the diverse educational backgrounds of participants, particularly those with higher education qualifications, ensuring relevance and immediate applicability in the job search process.

Digital Platforms and Job Matching: Use of Jobmatchad

To enhance employability, the programme makes use of digital tools such as Jobmatchad, an online platform that facilitates personalised job matching and learning. Participants can access digital courses to strengthen both professional and soft skills, practise mock interviews, and receive automated job suggestions tailored to their profiles. The platform incorporates multimedia content to accommodate different learning styles and maximise engagement.

Internship Placements Aligned with Academic Backgrounds

The programme offers structured internships in collaboration with companies and organisations, ensuring that placements align with participants’ academic qualifications and career interests. These internships provide valuable Swedish work experience, help bridge the gap between education and employment, and frequently lead to long-term job opportunities. Mentors from host organisations offer on-the-job guidance and regular feedback throughout the placement period.

Health Promotion and Social Integration Activitie

Alongside career services, the programme includes health promotion sessions and social activities designed to foster well-being and inclusion. Initiatives such as group exercise, cultural outings and mental health workshops help participants build social networks, reduce stress and maintain motivation throughout their job search. These efforts contribute to a holistic and supportive integration experience.

Employer Engagement: Networking and Speed Interview Events

To strengthen links with employers, the programme organises networking events, company visits and speed interviews, enabling participants to meet potential employers face to face. These activities provide job seekers with valuable insight into employer expectations, workplace culture and current vacancies. Employers, in turn, benefit from access to a diverse talent pool, while participants gain practical experience in presenting themselves professionally.

User-Friendly Learning Portals for Continuous Development

A central feature of the programme is its user-friendly learning portal, which acts as a hub for all educational and employment resources. The portal offers access to training materials, instructional videos, job listings and self-assessment tools. Designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, it supports continuous learning and development at the participant’s own pace, fostering long-term career growth.

Additional Resources

New report: The jobs that break unemployment in particularly vulnerable areas (May 2024)

https://www.almega.se/2024/05/ny-rapport-jobben-som-bryter-arbetslosheten-i-sarskilt-utsatta-omraden/

New report: The jobs that break unemployment in particularly vulnerable areas

https://www.almega.se/2024/05/ny-rapport-jobben-som-bryter-arbetslosheten-i-sarskilt-utsatta-omraden/

Asylum seekers in the EU labour market: the example of Sweden (Case study)

https://www.ecre.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Working-Paper-02.pdf

Integration Policies, Practices and Experiences, Sweden Country Report (2020)

https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1454674/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Report on the refugee employment programs:

The IFAU (Institute for Labour Market and Education Policy Evaluation) in Sweden has conducted several studies and produced reports on the labor market integration of refugees. They present evidence on the positive effects of integration programs, such as the “Välkommen till Framtiden” program, which combines language training, work practice, and job search assistance. Labor market integration of low-educated refugees RCT evidence from an ambitious integration program in Sweden:
https://www.ifau.se/globalassets/pdf/se/2020/wp-2020-21-labor-market-integration-of-low-educated-refugees.pdf

Case Studies on refugee employment programs

The integration program “Välkommen till Framtiden” offers a case study on the structured integration process for refugees in Sweden, showcasing the program’s design and the positive outcomes in terms of employment and language skills development among participants
https://www.ifau.se/globalassets/pdf/se/2020/wp-2020-21-labor-market-integration-of-low-educated-refugees.pdf

Integration guidelines for refugees

The report from IFAU also touches on the broader integration aspects, including the effectiveness of early and intensive intervention programs for newly arrived low-skilled refugees in Sweden. Labor market integration of low-educated refugees RCT evidence from an ambitious integration program in Sweden:
https://www.ifau.se/globalassets/pdf/se/2020/wp-2020-21-labor-market-integration-of-low-educated-refugees.pdf