The tourism industry, culture, and food are the focus of the five new vocational higher education programs approved for Almost There. The courses start in Boden this fall and meet the local and regional needs of community development.
The new courses have been approved by the Swedish Agency for Higher Vocational Education and Training and will start in Boden at the end of 2025. The aim is to strengthen the supply of skills in sectors that have both historical roots and great future potential, not least linked to self-sufficiency, place-based culture and a growing interest in living, working and traveling in the north.
“Education is a key driver of every region’s future. The fact that we can offer short, specialized vocational training where the needs exist aims to build both skills and self-confidence locally. We see it as an important part of the green transition and long-term social development in the north,” says Tom Løyche, CEO of Almost There.
The five courses are developed in close dialogue and collaboration with local and regional actors and are aimed at both professionals and those who want to change careers or develop their skills in areas such as cultural production, sustainable food, storytelling, nature tourism and place development.
“There is a growing interest in developing and utilizing what is unique to northern Sweden – from food culture and storytelling to nature experiences and local entrepreneurs. With more education in these areas, we create opportunities for people to stay, move here or build something new,” says Lina Ekström, Business Development Manager at Almost There.
The training courses granted are:
- Sustainable food waste management
- Managing artistic projects – with agile methods and modern project tools
- Artistic practice in digital environments and
- Sustainable guiding in an Arctic environment
Applications for courses open during the summer, with courses starting in late fall.
Almost There is a training and development organization with experience in change management and training. Almost There runs higher education programs in close collaboration with the cultural sector in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. Regional development projects include the meeting places Peetgården and Säsong and the catering business Foodmaker. Offices are located in Ringön, Gothenburg and in Sävast, Boden.
Photo: KOMM, Boden municipality and Mats Engfors, Fotographic
