Abstract
In this article we discuss vocational education in Sweden against the backdrop of the changing nature of industrial relations in the period from ca 1910 to 1975. Drawing upon evidence from official inquiries and case studies of two industries (forest industry and shipbuilding), we show that Sweden in the 1940s and 1950s can be described as a collective skill formation system in the making, where firms, intermediary associations, and the state cooperated around vocational education and training. However, Sweden developed in a very different direction than similar countries. We argue that this remarkable change of trajectory cannot be understood without considering the simultaneous disintegration of the model of industrial relations, along with general changes in the system of education.
Highlights
In Sweden, there is a long tradition of studying the history of vocational education and training in light of more general changes in the system of education.1 Following studies by Lundahl,2 Olofsson3 and Hellstrand,4 we approach the evolution of vocational education from a different perspective, namely that of industrial relations
Drawing upon evidence from official inquiries and case studies of two industries, we show that Sweden in the 1940s and 1950s can be described as a collective skill formation system in the making, where firms, intermediary associations, and the state cooperated around vocational education and training
Concluding discussion In this article we have approached the history of vocational education in Sweden from a different angle to that usually adopted
Summary
In Sweden, there is a long tradition of studying the history of vocational education and training (hereinafter vocational education) in light of more general changes in the system of education.1 Following studies by Lundahl,2 Olofsson3 and Hellstrand,4 we approach the evolution of vocational education from a different perspective, namely that of industrial relations. In countries with similar labour market characteristics, such as Germany and Denmark, vocational education has evolved into collective skill formation systems in which firms, intermediary associations and the state cooperate.8 in light of industrial relations, the low involvement of Swedish firms is an enigma.
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