Hantverksakademin is a Swedish Higher Vocational Education institution (yrkeshögskola) dedicated to preserving, developing and passing on traditional craft knowledge.

We specialise in apprenticeship-based education within traditional and small-scale craft professions. Working closely with companies, master craftspeople and the craft sector, we educate the next generation of skilled professionals while contributing to the long-term development of traditional craftsmanship. Today we offer education in more than 80 different craft professions.
 

Traditional crafts for the future

Many traditional crafts are practised by only a small number of professionals and are often carried out in small businesses. Our programmes help preserve valuable knowledge while ensuring that these professions continue to develop and remain relevant in today's society.

Our programmes are designed to prepare students for a professional career within their chosen craft, whether as employees, self-employed craftspeople or by pursuing further specialisation.
 

Higher Vocational Education in Sweden

Our programmes form part of the Swedish Higher Vocational Education system (Yrkeshögskolan), a state-regulated form of post-secondary education that combines academic studies with close collaboration with working life.

The programmes are approved and supervised by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan, MYH). The qualifications are placed at Level 5 of the Swedish National Qualifications Framework (SeQF), corresponding to Level 5 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
 

Apprenticeship-based education

Our programmes are built around apprenticeship. Approximately 80% of the education consists of Learning at Work (LIA), the mandatory workplace-based learning component included in all Swedish Higher Vocational Education programmes.

During LIA, students train at an approved apprenticeship workplace under the supervision of an experienced craft professional. LIA follows the programme curriculum and learning outcomes and is an assessed part of the education. Successful completion of all LIA periods is required in order to graduate.

The remaining 20% of the programme consists of theoretical studies, including entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, law and project management. The practical and theoretical components run in parallel throughout the programme.
 

Programme structure

Students complete the majority of their studies at an approved apprenticeship workplace. Students are responsible for arranging an approved apprenticeship placement before the programme begins. Apprenticeship placements may be located anywhere in Sweden, provided they offer suitable conditions for achieving the programme's learning outcomes.

The theoretical elements are taught from Stockholm and may partly be followed remotely through independent study, particularly by students based outside the Stockholm region.
 

Our programmes

Students can choose between two apprenticeship programmes:

• A two-year apprenticeship programme (400 Higher Vocational Education (YH) credits), providing a solid professional foundation within the chosen craft.
• A three-year specialised apprenticeship programme (600 Higher Vocational Education (YH) credits), offering an additional year of specialisation and the opportunity to prepare for a Journeyman's Certificate (Gesällbrev) or develop specialist skills within a chosen area of the craft.

Practical training and theoretical studies run in parallel throughout the programme. Students who successfully complete all courses, assessments and mandatory Learning at Work (LIA) periods are awarded a Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen).
 

International collaboration

Hantverksakademin actively participates in international cooperation within vocational education and craftsmanship. Through Erasmus+, students have the opportunity to undertake part of their apprenticeship abroad. We also welcome collaboration with educational institutions, public organisations and companies interested in traditional crafts, vocational education and knowledge exchange.
 

More than 80 craft professions

Hantverksakademin offers education in more than 80 traditional craft professions, including goldsmithing, furniture making, ceramics, glassblowing, upholstery, tailoring, bookbinding, restoration, textile crafts and many other specialist disciplines.
 

Please note: Swedish language proficiency is required

All teaching, assignments, examinations and communication are conducted in Swedish. Applicants must therefore be able to understand, speak, read and write Swedish.