Placements are not arranged only through school. For jobseekers, the Public Employment Service can offer a placement as a way into the labour market. This guide explains how a labour-market placement works and how it differs from a placement within an education.
A placement via the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), often called a labour-market placement, is an opportunity for jobseekers to try out an occupation with an employer for a period. Unlike LIA and APL, it is not linked to an education but is a labour-market policy measure meant to improve the chances of getting a job.
Why labour-market placements exist#
Many people lack the work experience employers ask for. A labour-market placement is meant to build a bridge: the jobseeker gains references and routine, and the employer gets to know a possible future colleague. It is also a way to change industry or return after time away from working life.
Who can get a placement via the Public Employment Service?#
The placement is aimed at those registered as jobseekers. Whether it suits your situation is decided together with your case officer, who assesses whether a placement is the right step towards work for you. The conditions and current programmes are described by Arbetsförmedlingen.
Compensation during the placement#
During a labour-market placement you usually receive compensation, but it does not come from the workplace. Instead it is paid by the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) as activity support, development compensation or establishment compensation, depending on your situation. The employer therefore pays no wage, because you are not employed during the placement.
How it differs from LIA and APL#
It is easy to confuse the different placement types. The decisive difference is the context: educational placements belong to a school, labour-market placements belong to the Public Employment Service.
| Type | Who arranges it? | Your role | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIA | Higher vocational education | Student | Student finance |
| APL | Upper secondary school | Student | Study support |
| Labour-market placement | Public Employment Service | Jobseeker | Via Social Insurance Agency |
To understand the differences between the educational forms in more depth, read our guide on the difference between APL, LIA, VFU and prao.
For employers who want to take part#
Taking on a placement via the Public Employment Service is a way to contribute while also finding possible talent. You need to be able to offer meaningful tasks and a supervisor. Many employers see it as an extended recruitment process — read more about why companies should take on interns.
How Prakto can help#
Prakto is built for placements within education, but the principles are the same regardless of type: clear tasks, an appointed supervisor and structured follow-up make the placement more valuable for everyone. For schools and companies that want to digitalise placement management, Prakto brings the process together in one place.
Frequently asked questions#
Do you get paid during a placement via the Public Employment Service?#
No, no wage from the employer. You may, however, receive compensation from the Social Insurance Agency, for example activity support, while taking part.
How long does a labour-market placement last?#
The length is decided individually with your case officer based on your needs and the goal of the placement. Contact the Public Employment Service for current limits.
Is a labour-market placement the same as LIA?#
No. LIA is part of a higher vocational education, while a labour-market placement is a measure for jobseekers via the Public Employment Service.
Conclusion#
A placement via the Public Employment Service is a way for jobseekers to gain experience, references and a route into the labour market. It differs from LIA and APL in that it does not belong to an education and the compensation comes from the Social Insurance Agency. Talk to your case officer to see whether it suits your situation.
Sources#
- Arbetsförmedlingen — programmes and support for jobseekers, including placements.
- Försäkringskassan — activity support and compensation when taking part in programmes.
