Norway: new national centre to champion vocational excellence

Norway is taking a significant step forward in improving its vocational education and training (VET) landscape. In October 2024, the government announced the establishment of a National Centre for Vocational Studies in Molde, which will open in 2025. This new centre will ensure that students are well prepared for the changing demands of the labour market and that training is tailored to the needs of the workforce. The centre will prioritise developing curricula and training methods that are closely aligned with industry needs, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

The new centre represents more than just an administrative addition; it marks a shift towards modernising and integrating vocational education with advanced research and industry feedback. Collaborations with social partners, such as the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) will be crucial in shaping academically sound and practically relevant programmes.

Government commitment and funding 

The initiative, backed by a proposed NOK 10 million allocation in the 2025 State budget (EUR 850 000), shows the government’s commitment to strengthening vocational pathways. Half of this funding is allocated to launching operations, while the remaining half will be directed towards research and development projects aimed at advancing vocational education. The centre’s primary mission is to act as a hub for innovation and collaboration, bringing together educators, industry leaders, and policy-makers. 

Strategic location benefits

The decision to locate the centre in Molde aligns with strategic goals, as the city offers a strong vocational programme enrolment and proximity to a diverse industrial base. This positioning facilitates a close connection between educational initiatives and the practical needs of the job market, encouraging more flexible training programmes.

By establishing the centre in Molde, the Norwegian government is not only addressing current educational challenges but also laying a foundation for sustainable growth in Norway’s workforce capabilities. This move reaffirms the country’s dedication to nurturing talent that meets both national and global standards in technical and vocational professions, ensuring that the new strategies are in line with EU VET frameworks. 

Key insights from recent reports

A recent report – requested by the Ministry of Education and prepared by a specialised working group including stakeholders from unions, employer organisations and regional authorities –highlighted the need for such a centre. The report pointed out that while Norway has made progress in vocational education, a centralised approach is essential for scaling successful models and driving forward-thinking vocational educational strategies. 

The new National Centre for Vocational Studies in Molde aims to comply with: EQAVET for quality assurance; Europass for standardised documentation of skills and qualifications; ECVET for transferring study credits across borders; and ESCO for a shared European terminology for jobs and skills. These standards will help align Norwegian vocational training with European guidelines, supporting the quality of both training and mobility for Norwegian skilled workers.

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  Kunnskapsdepartementet, Statsbudsjettet 2025, 2024.10.07: Opprettar nasjonalt senter for yrkesfag i Molde in Norwegian only)
• Kunnskapsdepartementet, Report 2023.10.20: Utredning av et nasjonalin t senter for yrkesfag  (in Norwegian only)