Since autumn 1996 pilot projects have been carried out in qualified vocational education, a new form of post secondary education in which one-third of the time is based on application of theoretical knowledge at a workplace. The aim is to satisfy the needs of the labour market for skilled labour with appropriate competence in the production of goods and services using modern technologies. The courses are open to those coming directly from upper secondary school and to people who are already gainfully employed and wish to develop their skills within a defined area. Study associations and some 150 Folk High Schools work with these activities in close co-operation with a variety of Non Governmental Organisations. The goal is to reduce the education gaps among people and to reinforce democracy by stimulating the individual citizen's participation in society.
Some courses can qualify students for university studies.
Tuition is free of charge but the students pay for their own board and lodging. State assistance can be payable. The Study Associations' activities consists above all of study circles, but the associations are also able to organise studies corresponding to those offered by the school system and within higher education. Labour market training Labour market training is an instrument of labour market policy primarily intended as basic vocational education or further training for the unemployed. Labour market training consits of specially procured labour market training and of labour market training provided within the regular education system.