VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME LEADING TO AN UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL VOCATIONAL DIPLOMA
The Handicrafts Programme
Do you like to do practical work, to create and be creative? In the Handicrafts Programme, you will learn various creative handicraft skills, develop ideas and realise them.
Video: Video briefly describing the Handicrafts Programme (Runtime: 4:51)
What you will learn in the Handicrafts Programme
You will learn how to create something with your own two hands, from the idea stage to the finished product. You will learn about the crafting process, design, entrepreneurship and service. You will practice developing ideas and turning them into finished products, including by assessing what materials and machinery you need. You will also learn how to figure out whether a product or service will be financially profitable.
In the programme, you will learn how to develop the handicraft process, which is the most important skill for a craftsperson. It entails being able to identify the customer’s needs and then plan and execute what is to be created using appropriate materials and techniques. It also involves the ability to correctly choose and handle tools, as well as to carry out the work, report how went about it, and analyse and evaluate the result.
You can choose to become a craftsperson in many different industries.
You will also learn how to communicate with those affected by your craft. Perhaps this will mean interacting with a customer whose hair you are styling or cutting, or with the person buying a bookshelf you made.
When I applied to become a hairdresser, I thought it was just dyeing and cutting hair, but it’s so much more! It involves techniques and tons of other different things. I’ve ended up in great internships where both my supervisor and colleagues have tried to help me to develop as much as possible in order to become a hairdresser. I’ve also had the opportunity to accompany them to various hairdressing courses.
Meya, a student in the Handicrafts Programme specialising in Hairdressing
Intended learning outcomes
The intended learning outcomes define what a learner will have acquired and will be able to do upon successfully completing their studies in a particular upper secondary school programme.
The intended learning outcomes for the Handicrafts Programme (skolverket.se)
Programme structure
In the programme structure, you can see which subjects and courses are included in the educational programme. You can also see how many credits are earned for each course.
Programme structure for the Handicrafts Programme (pdf)
External link, opens in new window.
Specialisations
Fine Carpentry
- You will learn production methods and about the tools, machines and materials necessary to succeed in the fine carpentry trade. This specialisation provides the opportunity to work as a boat builder, interior carpenter/joiner, or furniture carpenter, to give a few examples.
Florist
- You will learn about cut flowers and houseplants. You will also learn how to combine various materials to create works of flower art, for instance bouquets or wreaths for funerals, parties or galas, as a few examples. This specialisation provides the opportunity to work as a florist, or in a related field.
Hairdresser, Barber and Hair and Makeup Stylist
- You will learn various treatments and techniques for dyeing and shaping hair. You will also learn about different tools and materials needed for cutting, dyeing and styling hair. You can choose to specialise in working as a barber, hairdresser, or hair and makeup stylist.
Textile Design
- You will learn about the materials, manufacturing methods, and construction of fabric and clothing. You will also learn about various tools and machines for working with textiles. For example, you may learn how to draft patterns or select materials for creating a garment. You will learn how to draft patterns based on your imagination and then produce garments according to your own pattern. This specialisation provides the opportunity to work as a seamstress or to work in the textile and clothing industries, to give a few examples.
Other Handicrafts
- You will learn production methods and techniques for working with materials within your chosen trade. Here you can specialise in a handicraft not covered by the other specialisations, such as creating metal jewellery or working with ceramics. This specialisation provides the opportunity to work as a glassblower, gold or silversmith, ceramicist, saddler, chimney sweep, upholsterer or watchmaker, as a few examples.
Diploma project
At the end of the Handicrafts Programme, you must complete a diploma project in your chosen handicrafts area in which you show evidence that you have the knowledge necessary to start working in the field in which you have received your education.
Learning in a Work Environment
Parts of the educational programme are conducted at one or more workplaces and lasts for a period of at least 15 weeks. These elements are called Learning in a Work Environment (“APL”). This is an important element of your education. Through APL, you will obtain the opportunity to practice various work steps and apply the knowledge that you may have only gained in theory at school. You will also get to meet new people - both customers and employees. APL gives you experience with working in real-life situations and contacts from which you can benefit when you are looking for a job.
Your specialisation will affect where you can conduct your APL. For example, if you have chosen the Florist specialisation, you can carry out your APL in a flower shop or at a company that creates flower decorations for hotels and banquet halls. If you have chosen to specialise as a hairdresser, you can carry out your APL at a hair salon or barbershop, in a store that sells beauty products, or working with a makeup artist for theatrical or film productions.
If you have chosen the Textile Design specialisation, you can, e.g., carry out your APL with a costume designer for theatrical or film productions, with a tailor, or at a company that works with cutting fabric. If you have chosen the “Other Handicrafts” specialisation, you can carry out your APL by working with a gold or silversmith, glassblower, watchmaker, or other craftspeople in the profession in which you want to be receive an education in.
Apprenticeships
Click here to learn more about apprenticeships as part of an upper secondary school education
After the programme
You can start working immediately after your education or continue your studies at a polytechnic university. You can also choose to take courses to become eligible to continue your studies at the university level.
Hopefully I’ll work as an apprentice at a salon now and work up my hours, because I still have to get a journeyman’s certificate before I become a licenced hairdresser.
Meya, a student in the Handicrafts Programme specialising in Hairdressing
Eligibility to continue your studies after graduation
Do you want to continue your studies at a university or other higher education institution after completing the programme? This programme provides you with the general entry requirements for studying at an institution of higher education. After completing the programme, you also have the opportunity to continue your education at a polytechnic or independent adult education college (folkhögskola).
University entry requirements fulfilled upon graduation
Entering the workforce after graduation and examples of career paths
You can start working immediately after completing the programme. Below you will find examples of career paths for graduates, i.e., the professions in which you can look for work after graduating from the programme. Next to each profession is a link to facts about the responsibilities of the position and average wages/salary.
The professional competence you acquire depends upon the combination of courses you choose within your programme specialisation. You will find examples here of possible career paths after graduating from the Handicrafts Programme:
Gunsmith and watchmaker
Florist
Hairdresser/Barber
Glassblower
Goldsmith, silversmith, blacksmith
- Additional information about working as a goldsmith or silversmith
- Additional information about working as a blacksmith (iron and steel)
Hair and Makeup Stylist
Buyer/purchasing assistant
Interior carpenter/joiner, furniture maker, boat builder
Tiled stove maker
Ceramicist
Cobbler, saddler
Upholsterer
Textiles and ready-made garments, seamstress
Carpentry, wood and building materials trade
Further information about the responsibilities of these professions and forecasts regarding the future prospects of each profession can be found in the “Hitta yrken A–Ö” service (“Find a profession, A–Z”).
Search various professions in the “Hitta yrken A–Ö” serviceLink to another website.
Further information about upper secondary school