yrkesfaglig

Yrkesfaglig is a Norwegian term used to describe education and curriculum that focus on vocational and occupational skills. It denotes teaching and learning aimed at preparing students directly for work in trades, crafts, and technical professions, rather than primarily for higher academic study.

In Norway’s upper secondary education, students can choose between studieforberedende utdanningsprogram (preparatory for higher education) and yrkesfaglige utdanningsprogram (vocational programs). Yrkesfaglige programs combine classroom instruction with practical training in workshops and external placements, often including an apprenticeship period with a partner workplace. The aim is to qualify for trades and technical occupations and to provide pathways to further vocational studies or employment.

Outcomes and credentials commonly associated with yrkesfaglig education include the attainment of a trade certificate through examinations and assessments conducted during the apprenticeship and end of program. This credential enables practice in many trades and can lead to further vocational education, polytechnic studies, or direct entry into the workforce. Programs emphasize practical competence, industry collaboration, and the ability to apply learned skills in real-world settings.

Internationally, the concept aligns with vocational education and training (VET), which exists in various forms across countries. Yrkesfaglig education is part of broader efforts to align schooling with labor market needs, incorporating current industry standards, digital competencies, and evolving demands in technology and engineering sectors.