Green enterprise introduction course in Sweden

The Swedish cooperative association ‘Macken i Araby’ obtained funding under the Rural Development Programme to set up a new training model for immigrants living in local rural areas.

It first established a steering group to explore how the training could be constructed. To help this process, the group assessed similar initiatives, in particular a two-year course that was set up in Östergötland, Sweden.

The group decided to provide a targeted seven-month training programme that would focus on practical skills to help the immigrants find work in rural Sweden. The next phase was to find a location for the course: the local agricultural secondary school in Ingelstad, which is in the countryside just south of Växjö, was chosen.

Macken i Araby’ continued to support the trainees beyond the duration of the training programme. In particular, it has helped with job applications and introductions, putting the trainees into contact with companies and providing networking opportunities.