Workplace-based learning depends on companies stepping up and taking on students. To make that easier, there are state grants and compensation linked to APL. This guide explains what exists and how supervision and grants fit together.
There are state grants meant to ease and raise the quality of workplace-based learning (APL) in upper secondary school. The grants are generally aimed at organisers and workplaces and can, among other things, be linked to supervisor training. The rules and current grants are handled by Skolverket, which also decides on conditions and applications.
Why the grants exist#
APL depends on there being workplaces willing to take on students. Supervising a student takes time, and for smaller companies the threshold can be high. State grants are a way to lower that threshold while also ensuring that the supervision is of good quality, so students get more out of their placement.
What the state grants can cover#
The grants can, among other things, be linked to:
- Supervisor training so that whoever takes on a student is prepared for the role.
- Measures that strengthen the quality of workplace-based learning.
- Collaboration between school and working life.
Exactly which grants are current and how they are applied for changes over time. Always check the applicable conditions with Skolverket before planning around a grant.
Who can apply?#
State grants for APL are usually applied for by the school's organiser — the municipality or the independent school's organisation — not by individual supervisors. The workplace contributes time and supervision, while the organiser is responsible for applying for and reporting any grants. The division of roles resembles the one in our guide on how the school plans APL for the whole school year.
Supervisor training raises quality#
Regardless of any grant, a prepared supervisor is crucial for a good placement. A trained supervisor knows how to onboard, give feedback and assess a student fairly. Skolverket offers support and a web-based supervisor training for APL. Do also read our supervisor guide with seven tips for a successful placement.
How school and workplace collaborate#
- The school is responsible for the education's content, goals and follow-up.
- The workplace provides a supervisor and meaningful tasks.
- The organiser handles agreements and any state grants.
A clear division of responsibility makes APL run smoothly and ensures the grants are used where they do the most good.
How Prakto can help#
For schools handling many APL positions at once, the administration can become heavy. Prakto brings agreements, supervisors, goals and follow-up together in one place, making it easier to keep track of positions and to report how the placement was carried out. See the difference compared to manual handling.
Frequently asked questions#
Do companies get paid to take on an APL student?#
There are state grants linked to APL, but they are generally applied for by the school's organiser, not by the workplace. Individual companies normally receive no direct payment for supervising.
Who applies for state grants for APL?#
The school's organiser, that is, the municipality or the independent school's organisation. The conditions are decided by Skolverket.
Does an APL supervisor have to be trained?#
It is not an absolute requirement, but supervisor training is strongly recommended because it raises the quality of the placement. Skolverket offers a web-based supervisor training.
Conclusion#
State grants and compensation for APL exist to make it easier for workplaces to take on students and to raise the quality of supervision. The grants are usually applied for by the organiser, while the workplace contributes time and a prepared supervisor. Always check the current conditions with Skolverket.
Sources#
- Skolverket — state grants, supervisor training and rules for APL.
- The Government of Sweden — policy and initiatives on vocational education and APL.
