Starfsnám

Starfsnám is a form of vocational education that combines practical, work-based learning with theoretical instruction. It is designed to prepare individuals for a specific trade or profession by providing hands-on experience in real work settings alongside formal schooling.

In most programs, training is split between the workplace and an educational setting such as a vocational center or school. Students work under the supervision of a skilled mentor and simultaneously study relevant theory, methods, and safety practices. The curriculum is aligned with labor-market needs and national qualification standards, and assessment typically includes on-the-job performance, practical exams, and theoretical work.

Participants usually enter starfsnám after completing compulsory education or as part of an upper-secondary vocational track. Employers benefit from recruiting job-ready trainees, while participants gain sector-specific skills, professional networks, and pathways to certification or further study.

The organizational framework for starfsnám involves collaboration among schools, vocational centers, employers, industry bodies, and government agencies. These partners develop curricula, supervise training, certify qualifications, and ensure quality and safety. Funding and compensation may come from employers, with additional support from public programs in some contexts.

Starfsnám aims to address skill shortages, improve employment prospects, and create smoother transitions from education to the labor market. Challenges can include securing sufficient quality placements, maintaining consistent mentoring, keeping curricula aligned with technological change, and ensuring stable funding. Sectors commonly offering starfsnám include construction, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation.