ABSTRACT
While working life in the Nordic countries generally is of a high quality, the issue examined in this chapter is how accessible it is to young people. The chapter examines how upper-secondary vocational education and training (VET) is connected to working life and supports young people’s transition to the labour market in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This examination includes a conceptual discussion of the links between education and working life using comparative research on VET and transition systems. It explores how VET systems match the educational demands of young people with the skills requirements of working life. In addition, it examines young people’s transition to working life in two selected industries: health care and construction. Also, three new, innovative institutions set up to mediate between VET and working life are investigated.
