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Mobility Matchmaking Exchange in Borås: Inclusive Pathways for Re-engagement in Education and Employment

28/05/2025

On 12–13 May 2025, EARLALL’s Mobility Matchmaking tool facilitated a cross-border job shadowing exchange between Borås Municipality (Sweden) and Vestland County Council (Norway). The focus of the exchange was a topic of shared importance: Creating inclusive pathways to re-engage those outside education and employment. Through peer learning and practical insight, the visit explored how regions can support individuals in returning to learning and establishing lasting, meaningful connections to working life.

The hosting partner, Working Life Department of the municipality of Borås (Sweden), welcomed their Norwegian colleagues with a tailored programme that offered both strategic and on-the-ground perspectives. The programme provided a comprehensive overview of Borås’ inclusive employment strategies, including follow-up support, multi-agency cooperation, and tools for motivation and progress tracking. Participants gained insight into how local departments collaborate effectively to meet individual needs and long-term goals.

For Nicholas Waller, local organiser in Borås, participating in the exchange was as much about sharing as it was about learning:

“We were very pleased to host Vestland and show how we support individuals who are furthest from the labour market. We were also curious to learn from our Norwegian colleagues and see how another Scandinavian country structures this work. We hope to visit Vestland in the near future and continue this knowledge exchange.”

For the visiting team from Vestland County Council, the experience was built on existing initiatives. Ingrid Bårgard, coordinating this job shadowing and working at the Department of Education and Skills, aimed at reintegrating individuals into education and work, shared her motivation:

“I first heard about Borås’ Multicompetent Team project during an EARLALL meeting last year. Since we recently started a similar collaboration with NAV in Vestland, we wanted to see how Borås Municipality works in this area and explore practices we could implement in our region.”

The exchange exceeded expectations, offering deep insights into interdepartmental cooperation and person-centred approaches. Ingrid and her team had the opportunity to observe real-life follow-up meetings and gain a better understanding of Borås’ methods—from motivational interviewing to ACT guidance and progress work.

Following the exchange, the Vestland team is already exploring how to adapt several aspects of Borås’ approach in their own regional context. This includes introducing new methodologies like motivational interviews and mapping, and improving information flow across organisations.

Both institutions’ representatives expressed a strong interest in continued collaboration. Opportunities were identified for reciprocal job shadowing, especially involving upper secondary schools, to further explore shared challenges and solutions in VET and employment support.

This exchange is another example of how the  Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility connects regions through meaningful peer learning. It highlights the value of mobility not just for students, but also for professionals and policymakers working to build more inclusive and responsive systems.

As Europe continues to face labour market and education challenges, especially among those not in education, employment or training (NEET), these kinds of collaborations offer practical tools and fresh perspectives for building resilient pathways back into learning and work.

This exchange is part of the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility, which includes regions like Västra Götaland (Sweden), Movetia (Switzerland), and Catalonia, in addition to other key stakeholders such as Camilla Winter AB (Sweden). These partnerships are instrumental in fostering regional collaboration, promoting equity, and empowering individuals through lifelong learning. By continuing to share knowledge and best practices, these regions are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for education and vocational training.