Higher vocational education (YH) continues to grow. In 2026, over 100,000 students are estimated to be enrolled in YH programs – a 15 percent increase compared to 2024. That means more students than ever need LIA placements. And the supply can't keep up.
LIA, learning in the workplace, is the mandatory internship component in most YH programs. Students are often responsible for finding their own placement, but the education provider must ensure sufficient quality placements are available. When student numbers grow faster than company capacity, a gap emerges.
The numbers behind the trend#
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education reports:
| Year | Number of YH students | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 78,000 | Baseline |
| 2023 | 85,000 | +9% |
| 2024 | 91,000 | +7% |
| 2025 | 97,000 | +7% |
| 2026 (forecast) | 104,000 | +7% |
Growth is particularly strong in IT, healthcare, finance and technology – industries that already have high competition for placements.
Why finding a LIA placement is getting harder#
More students, same number of companies#
The number of programs and students has grown faster than companies' willingness and capacity to host interns. Some industries are saturated in metropolitan areas.
Students target the same companies#
Large, well-known employers receive hundreds of LIA requests. Smaller companies with equally good conditions are often overlooked.
Geographic concentration#
Most YH programs are in metropolitan regions. Students want to do LIA locally, but placements don't always suffice.
Companies unaware of the opportunity#
Many potential LIA employers – especially in the service sector and SME segment – don't know about the YH system or how LIA works.
Consequences#
For students: longer search times, more rejections, risk of needing to relocate for LIA or postpone the education.
For education providers: harder to guarantee placements, increased administrative pressure, risk of quality deficiencies if placements are accepted without sufficient review.
For companies: more requests to handle, opportunity to choose among more candidates, but also risk of losing interest if the process is cumbersome.
What's being done?#
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education#
MYH has expanded its work informing employers about LIA and supporting providers in building company networks. Industry councils play an increasingly important role.
Education providers#
Several YH providers are building their own digital matching tools or partner programs with companies. Others have hired dedicated LIA coordinators.
Industry initiatives#
The IT and tech industry has taken the lead with collective LIA portals. Healthcare and finance are behind but organizing.
What can students do?#
- Apply early. Start at least three months before the LIA period.
- Broaden the search. Look at smaller companies and locations outside major cities.
- Customize the application. Show that you understand the company's business, not just that you need a placement.
- Use your network. Classmates, teachers and former employers may have contacts.
- Be professional. A LIA application is essentially a job application. Treat it as one.
What can companies do?#
- Make it visible that you host LIA students. Publish it on your website and recruitment channels.
- Contact education providers directly. They want you and can help with matching.
- Start small. One student per term is enough to test how it works.
- See it as recruitment. The best LIA students are your future employees.
Frequently asked questions#
How long is a LIA period?#
Varies between programs, but typically 8–20 weeks per period. Most programs have at least two LIA periods.
Does the student have to find a LIA placement themselves?#
Often yes, but the education provider should support and ensure placements are available. The division of responsibility varies.
Can the student do LIA abroad?#
In some cases yes, if the education provider approves and learning objectives can be met. It's uncommon though.
What happens if the student can't find a placement?#
The education provider should help. In the worst case, the LIA period can be postponed, but it extends the education.
Can a company host multiple LIA students simultaneously?#
Yes, if the company has capacity. Each student should have their own supervisor or clear contact person.
Conclusion#
Record numbers of YH students are good for Sweden's talent supply. But if LIA placements don't keep up, quality risks declining and students risk being caught in the middle. The solution requires more companies in the system, better matching and education providers that plan long-term.
Sources#
- Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education – annual report 2025, forecast 2026
- SCB – education statistics, higher vocational education
- Confederation of Swedish Enterprise – skills supply barometer 2025
