yrke

Yrke is the Swedish word for an occupation or profession. It refers to the specific line of work a person is trained to perform and often implies a certain level of training, credentialing, or licensure. In Swedish public statistics and labor-market discussions, yrke is a core dimension used to group people by the job they perform, alongside industry and sector.

People typically acquire a yrke through education, vocational training, or higher education, and sometimes via apprenticeship or on-the-job learning. Some professions require formal qualifications and licenses, such as läkare (doctor), tandläkare (dentist), and lärare (teacher), while others describe skilled trades like snickare (carpenter) or elektriker (electrician). Sweden also uses occupational classifications maintained by authorities and statistical agencies to support wage statistics, unemployment analysis, and career guidance.

Education pathways associated with yrke include vocational programs at the gymnasium (yrkesprogram), which prepare students for specific trades; and higher vocational education (yrkeshögskola), which combines academic learning with work experience. Many professions also require ongoing professional development to maintain licensure or competence.

Social and economic aspects: yrke can influence income, status, and identity, and changes in technology or labor demand can prompt retraining or career shifts. Career guidance, employment services, and policy discussions frequently focus on helping individuals enter, transition between, or advance within their chosen yrke.