Iceland – NORRIC

1. Diagramme of the Icelandic VET system

NB: The diagramme does not show all qualifications and all connections between programmes.

2. Description of the Icelandic VET system

Vocational education model at EQF 3 and 4 (Upper secondary vocational education and training)

EQF level 3 and 4 education (either general or vocational) is governed by the state. A total of 23 of the 38 upper secondary schools offer VET programmes. Study programmes vary in length from one school year to four years of combined school and workplace training. All upper secondary (EQF level 3 and 4) schools have “school curricula” where education aims, intended learning outcomes, assessment, content and the connections between these elements are listed.
Almost all initial VET in Iceland is in regulated professions and built on an apprenticeship system, where most of the education takes place in school which is supplemented by workplace training. The duration of the time spent in school and the time spent at the workplace varies between programmes.
In addition, there are a small number of VET programmes where all the education and training take place in school because they are not regulated trades, such as in computer technology and various arts.

Vocational education model at EQF 5 (Post-secondary vocational education and training)

EQF level 5 (post-secondary, non-tertiary) education is governed by the state. Study programmes may vary in length. All secondary schools have “school curricula” where education aims, intended learning outcomes, assessment, content and the connections between these elements are listed. All EQF level 5 as well as EQF level 3 and 4 programmes have to be certified by the Ministry of Education.

3. Governance and stakeholders

The Ministry of Education and Children is responsible for the external evaluation of all upper secondary schools in Iceland. The Ministry of Education makes a three-year plan for external evaluation, surveys and evaluations to provide information about the execution of school activities in preschools, compulsory schools and upper secondary schools.

The Trade Unions also have considerable influence on, and great responsibility for, VET in terms of duration, structure, learning outcomes, approval of practical training companies and continuing education.

The Ministry of Industries is responsible for licences to work in regulated trades in Iceland.

4. Types of vocational educational institutions

VET programmes at level 4 and 5 in the EQF are provided by a variety of upper secondary schools across the country. The largest vocational school in Iceland is Tækniskólinn. The school comprises multiple specialised departments such as:

Building & Construction Trades
Electrical Technology
Design & Handicraft
Information Technology
Marine Engineering & Navigation
General Academic Studies
Continuing Education, e.g. the Master Crafts Certificate at level 5 in the EQF.

Students can also pursue the matriculation exam (stúdentspróf) in parallel with vocational training to keep pathways open to university-level study.

List of upper secondary schools in Iceland: https://mms.is/listi-yfir-skola

5. Quality assurance

6. National qualifications framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF-LLL)

https://english.enicnaric.is/isqf.html

7. Useful links

All legalised professions in Iceland: https://island.is/en/license-for-a-legalised-profession

Meistaraskólinn: https://tskoli.is/namsbraut/meistaranam/

The Icelandic National Curriculum Guide for Upper Secondary Schools:
https://www.stjornarradid.is/verkefni/menntamal/namskrar/#Tab1

In English: https://www.stjornarradid.is/media/menntamalaraduneyti-media/media/ritogskyrslur/adskr_frsk_ens_2012.pdf