Viken Vocational College is committed to long-term partnership

Important to be present

For the Viken Vocational School, Kongsberg Agenda is a unique arena where we can connect more closely with industry, technology development and all the social actors that drive innovation in Norway. The vocational school is Kongsberg's largest provider of technology education and is the school of the working world. Agenda provides an opportunity to meet professionals, students, partners and decision-makers in a setting that encourages dialogue and collaboration. The working world is clear that vocational education and higher vocational education are central to meeting the need for restructuring. By being present at Agenda, which has become Norway's leading technology festival, the vocational school's important role in preparing the working world for tomorrow's competence, requirements and opportunities can be highlighted, says Eirik Hågensen, principal at the Viken Vocational School.

Why are you betting long-term?

- We are in a paradigm shift with the enormous digitalization, AI, climate, and great uncertainty in the geopolitical picture, which will significantly affect working life and industry. We also see that the way education is carried out is different. There is more focus on lifelong learning, and shorter educations that are timely. FiV as an educational institution takes responsibility locally, regionally and nationally in developing educational solutions that provide the education you need; when the need arises.

- Through a three-year agreement, we are investing in a long-term presence that allows us to build deeper cooperation with the working world, increase the visibility and knowledge of the Vocational School in Viken, but also vocational school as a higher vocational education choice. We want to contribute to the development of competence in the region and be an active voice in the debate about what is required of competence in a changing labor market.

Agenda creates results

- Agenda has given us an exciting opportunity to meet new partners and strengthen our connection to the working world across industries. Last year, we collaborated closely with the Kongsberg Group on a varied and engaging program, where nearly 40 people shared their knowledge and experiences on our program posts. This contributed to valuable conversations, insight sharing and networking that make Agenda an important arena for the Vocational School.

- Agenda is a great arena for launching new initiatives. Last year, we presented the establishment of Norway's first center for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity for skilled workers in industry, which equips workers to meet the technological challenges of the future and ensure high-level competence.

- We have also entered into a valuable collaboration with Fontenehuset in Kongsberg. Through this partnership, we work to support inclusion and contribute to ensuring that no one is left out of the working world. Together with Fontenehuset, we want to make a positive difference for people with mental health challenges, as part of our commitment to social sustainability and inclusion.