From work force immigration to inclusion – A study of Vocational Education & Training development in relation to society changes and immigration in a historical perspective.

Since the mid 1950s Sweden has experienced major challenges, amongst them, a shift from an industrial based economy to a knowledge intensive and service-oriented economy. In addition, during this period, Sweden has also experienced an increase in immigration.

The interplay of these developments has created a variety of challenges, one being the inclusion of immigrants in the labour market and society.

This research project examines the role played by vocational education and training (VET) in response to structural changes and in the inclusion of immigrants in the Swedish labor market and society.The project consists of three interrelated studies, a historical study and two interview studies.

The historical study will examine documents on how VET provision has changed over time as a consequence of structural changes and VET´s role in the inclusion of immigrants in the labour market from the 1950s to today.

The interview study aims to investigate the perception of immigrants of how VET has influenced their opportunities for inclusion in the Swedish labor market and Swedish society.

The interview study focuses on two groups, first migrants who worked in the car mechanics industry from the 1960s to the 2020s. The second group of interviews focuses on immigrants currently working in this branch.

Expected outcome of the project is a deeper understanding of the role that VET has historically played in the inclusion of immigrants in the Swedish labor market and society.