Students Reflect on Their Time at Yrkesgymnasiet: “We’ve Grown Every Day”

Ana Iljazovic and Nathalie Strömquist graduated from the Child and Recreation program at Yrkesgymnasiet Norrköping in the summer of 2024. Ana chose the program because of its broad scope and numerous possibilities—whether she wants to start working or pursue further studies. For Nathalie, the program was an obvious choice.

“I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. When I finished preschool, I told my teachers that I was going to be a teacher. Since then, it’s always been clear,” she says.

Yrkesgymnasiet’s Setup: A Perfect Match

At Yrkesgymnasiet, students spend more than half their time in workplace-based learning (APL). It was this structure that caught Nathalie Strömquist’s attention.

“I was pretty tired of school before, but then I found out about apprenticeship programs, and it suited me well; being able to practice what you’re studying during school,” she explains.

In addition to providing valuable skills for future careers, the setup—two weeks at school followed by two weeks at a workplace—helps maintain motivation and fosters connections among students.

“It’s a good structure. I wouldn’t have managed three days of APL followed by two days of school. This way, you get routines,” Ana says before Nathalie adds:

“I also think you have more to talk about when you come back to school. Since everyone does different things, you want to know what the others are up to—even those in other programs.”

The End of an Era — The Beginning of a New One

A new chapter now begins for Ana and Nathalie. Ana plans to continue her studies to become an assistant nurse to work with LSS (Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments). Nathalie plans to work for a few years and then study to become either a primary school teacher (grades F-3) or a special education teacher—just as she promised her preschool teachers years ago.

What Was the Best Part of Your Time at Yrkesgymnasiet?

“All the friends we made and the teachers who helped us through everything,” says Ana.

“I feel like I’ve grown every day since I started here. And I’ve formed friendships that will last a lifetime,” Nathalie adds.

What Will You Miss Most About Yrkesgymnasiet?

“The teachers,” both girls say simultaneously, before Ana adds:

“We have such good relationships with all the teachers. It’ll feel strange not being here anymore.”