Region Västra Götaland’s Success in ”The Complete Competence Boost” Project
25/06/2025
As the EU-funded Helhetslyftet (The Complete Competence Boost) project concludes in June 2025, EARLALL is proud to highlight the active and inspiring role played by our member, the Region of Västra Götaland, particularly through the excellent work of Campus Strömstad.
Coordinated by the Folkhögskoleförvaltningen (Folk High School Authority) in Västra Götaland and supported by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), Helhetslyftet brought together over 30 partners across 16 municipalities to improve pathways to integration and employment for third-country nationals. Through tailored efforts in language development, vocational preparation, and civic participation, the project has made a lasting impact on both individuals and local systems.
One of the standout contributors has been Campus Strömstad, whose approach to integrated education—combining Swedish as a second language with vocational training—has become a model of innovation and effectiveness. The campus focused not only on improving teaching methods but also on staff training, course development, and enhanced study and career guidance. Their work has shown how combining language and vocational skills can foster stronger, faster, and more inclusive pathways to employment.
Future and Dissemination Final Conference
The project concluded with an inspiring Framtidskonferens (Future and Dissemination Conference) in Gothenburg, where partners from municipalities, folk high schools, and civil society organisations came together to share experiences and look ahead.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from Vincent Catot (European Commission) and Maria Lindqvist (AMIF, Swedish Migration Agency), followed by a project overview presented by Theresé Ydrén, highlighting working methods, collaboration structures, and strategic approaches.
Participants engaged in dynamic panel discussions and presentations, including a contribution from Support Group Network, which shared key lessons learned and insights for the future. A common thread throughout the event was the emphasis on collaboration—a defining element of Helhetslyftet that partners are committed to maintaining moving forward.
A strong focus was placed on the future: how the methods and approaches developed throughout the project will continue to be applied to strengthen cooperation and support third-country nationals’ integration into the labour market and broader society.
Alongside breaks and lunch, attendees explored a mini fair where around ten organisations presented their work—creating a vibrant and educational exchange space.
Among the standout contributors was Campus Strömstad, whose approach to integrated education—combining Swedish as a second language with vocational training—has emerged as a model of innovation and effectiveness. The campus focused on teaching development, staff training, tailored course design, and study and career guidance. Their success shows how blending language and vocational skills can accelerate inclusive, effective routes into employment.
At the conference, Campus Strömstad’s principal, Alexander Johansson, joined a panel to present their “BIP-inspired” approach—drawing from Denmark’s Employability Indicator Project (BIP), developed by Vaeksthusets Research Center. This framework helps educators identify learners’ prior experience, align with individual goals, and foster real-world work connections within Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) education.
“Through The Complete Competence Boost, our staff have learned to work according to BIP, and we are happy to have new tools that really give results,” said Johansson.
“We’ve seen our students take their first steps toward language, studies, internships, and employment—with pride, joy, and a growing sense of participation in society,” added Project Manager Anja Sonerud.
Finally, the project set out with the ambitious goal of reaching 2,400 third-country nationals. As of today, 2,414 participants have already taken part—and that number is still growing. We expect to reach at least 2,500 individuals by the project’s close, a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all partners involved.
“Through The Complete Competence Boost, our staff have learned to work according to BIP, and we are happy to have new tools that really give results,” Johansson noted.
“We have seen our students take their first steps toward language, study, internship, and employment—with pride, joy, and a growing sense of participation in society,” added Project Manager Anja Sonerud.
A strong focus was placed on the future: how the methods and approaches developed throughout the project will continue to be applied to strengthen cooperation and support third-country nationals’ integration into the labour market and broader society.
