With unemployment statistics expected to grow in the New Year there has been a lot of discussion in recent months about the value of work placements and whether or not they lead to employment. For those who are unemployed, a work placement can be a saving grace, providing an opportunity to get out of the house and into a professional environment, to network, learn more about the profession and the industry and get some hands on experience – all valuable when looking for work in a new, or nearly new country.
There are several ways to get a work placement, i) through Arbetsförmedlingen, ii) through one of the organizations that arrange placements and iii) by approaching companies directly and setting it up yourself.
The more Swedish you know the greater your chances of getting a placement and you will need to at least be able to navigate around the websites listed here.
Arbetsförmedlingen
offer placements to those who are registered as unemployed and over 25 years old. While they cannot legally deny your registration many offices are known to turn people away until they have finished the Swedish For Immigrants course (SFI). Placements are also possible if you are disabled or in the category “instegsjobb” and younger than 25.
There are 4 types of placements available through Arbetsförmedlingen: Praktik (work experience), Prova-på-plats (test a workplace), Yrkeskompetensbedömning (professional competence assessment) and Praktisk kompetensutveckling (practical competence development).
What is the purpose of the placement?
The purpose is to strengthen your chances of getting work. Your placement could be at a workplace where you receive professional orienteering, work experience in particular or in general, or to keep or strengthen your professional competence. It is also possible to get a placement as preparation for a business start-up if there is guidance included in the position.
What does it mean to me as a job seeker?
Arbetsförmedlingen can offer placements with private or public employers as well as non-profit organizations. Before exploring opportunities it is necessary for Arbetsförmedlingen to discuss the opportunity with the relevant union who are part of the local negotiation with the employer. The placement is normally on a full-time basis and is for a maximum of 6 months. Arbetsförmedlingen may call you to a follow-up meeting, job seeking activity or guidance during the placement, in which case you are obliged to participate.
Remuneration and insurance
While on placement you are entitled to receive Aktivitetsstöd (activity benefit), which is paid out by Försäkringskassan. If you are entitled to payment from arbetslöshetskassa (private unemployment insurance) then you will receive a minimum of 320kr a day.
If you do not fulfill the requirements then you will receive Aktivitetsstöd (activity benefit) of 223 kronor per day. To be entitled to Aktivitetsstöd you will need to submit the form Försäkran - Aktivitetsstöd (RFV 5057) to Försäkringskassan.
While on placement you are insured.
If you are receiving unemployment benefits you will need to have a good reason to say no to a placement and still be entitled to your benefits.
Other resources that assist with work placements:
Praktikförmedlingen
A blog that publicises placements and internships in international development agencies. They show opportunities in international, non-government and non-profit organisations as well as companies that work with societal analysis, trends, international consultation and CSR. They publicise the most relevant placements that contribute to a more fair, safe and sustainable world.
Praktikplatsen
is a joint project between a number of organisations in west Sweden designed to create work placement opportunities, linking studies to working life. Placement is available from compulsory education, gymnasium (high school) to adult education with particular emphasis on Swedish For Immigrants (SFI) education. It is Gothenburg city’s investment in integration and creating a more secure place to live. It looks like a fantastic program that should be applied all over the country!
Praktikstart is a portal that lists work placements and internships and gives advice on how to find a placement that suits you. It is also possible to read about other students and their experiences
SYO Guiden
The SYO Guide lists a range of companies that offer opportunities to students as well as advice on how to get a placement, contracts and other useful information.
Many of the universities and higher institutions offer work placement programs too, check with the school you are interested in or studying at.
While work placements are traditionally aimed at students there is nothing to stop you from approaching any company and expressing interest. It may mean your work will go unpaid but if you can afford it, it might just be the best investment you ever made. Approach any company or organisation you are interested in and explore the opportunities, who knows what it might lead to!
