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Building Skills-Based Transitions in Sweden: TRAILS Workshop in Borås Advances Pilot Planning

03/09/2025

Following the successful workshop in Tuscany earlier this summer, the TRAILS project continued its momentum with a new session held in Borås, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, on Friday, 29 August 2025. Hosted at Higher Vocational Education in Borås, the workshop was led by Christoph Bretgeld from SkillLab, one of the project partners, and organised by Camilla Winter, representing EARLALL.

The event brought together representatives from the Adult Education and Working Life Department, Borås, along with a diverse group of professionals, including employment advisors, heads of counselling, international and IT coordinators, labour market administrators, organisational development specialists, and study and career counsellors. T

he workshop focused on strengthening skills-based transitions and preparing for the upcoming TRAILS pilot in the region. Its objectives were to:

  • Understand user journeys and existing systems related to unemployment and education.
  • Identify current processes and avoid duplication of efforts.
  • Sketch a prototype of the pilot project, including user groups and a realistic timeline.
  • Explore tools and possible solutions provided by SkillLab.

A mapping session revealed the complexity of user journeys across different departments and systems. Participants highlighted areas where data transfer processes could be improved, and where closer collaboration would support more seamless pathways for learners and job seekers. The discussion also underscored the importance of tailoring the pilot to realistic timelines and clearly defined user groups. SkillLab’s demonstration of digital tools sparked dialogue on how technology can facilitate more effective skills-based guidance, while participants emphasized the need to integrate new solutions with existing structures rather than creating parallel systems. The workshop concluded with agreement on actionable next steps, including a follow-up online meeting led by SkillLab to refine the pilot design and continue cross-departmental dialogue.