Demand for SFI courses has spiked since the Northvolt crisis.
– I’ve been waiting for a response from SFI since October and still haven’t heard from them. My biggest worry is that the Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) will reject my work permit because I don’t have SFI grades, says Shahrokh.
When Shahrokh was hired by Northvolt, his work permit application was still under review – and it remained so when he was laid off a year later.
He came to Sweden from Pakistan in 2022 to pursue a master’s degree in geology at Lund University. Last April, he moved to Skellefteå for a job at Northvolt but was laid off in October. While Shahrokh would like to resume his studies at Lund University, he now believes it is almost impossible.
– To apply to study in Sweden again, I would need to travel to the Swedish embassy in Ethiopia for an interview and application process. It’s a long and expensive procedure, he says.
Shahrokh Mehmood.
Muhaiminul, a former Northvolt employee from Bangladesh, faces a similar predicament due to the lengthy SFI queues.
– To secure employment here, proficiency in Swedish is crucial, he says.
Muhaiminul's daily routine begins with checking his email for responses to job applications. The remainder of his day is dedicated to his job search.
Shahrokh adheres to a similar routine, supplementing his job search with dedicated time for Swedish language lessons on platforms like Duolingo. He also actively pursues online courses in quality management and marketing, aspiring to build a career in these fields.
"Serika" in the hallway on campus. She wishes to remain anonymous but explains that learning Swedish is important to her, especially for integrating into society.
"Serika" was fortunate enough to secure a spot in the SFI program. While wishing to remain anonymous, she says that her husband, also laid off from Northvolt, quickly found re-employment with his former employer.
– We were fortunate, she says.
Serika is now eager to learn Swedish to better integrate into the community.
– I enjoy socializing and interacting with people. I also want to be able to communicate effectively with my son; his first language will be Swedish as he speaks it at preschool, she explains.
Many ex-Northvolters are under pressure to quickly become fluent in Swedish, but the queues can be long.
The former Northvolt employees are highly educated and experienced professionals, she continues, but their Swedish language proficiency is currently limited. This has become a critical skill for those who wish to remain in Sweden.
– Imagine a family that has lived here for four or five years, having established a stable life. Many have homes and children. Then, abruptly, they are forced to leave the country with little time to even sell their properties, Serika says.
SFI teachers confirm a sharp increase in demand for Swedish language courses. This surge began when Northvolt started hiring and intensified significantly following the recent layoffs.
– They need to learn Swedish as quickly as possible to improve their job prospects, explains SFI teacher Ida Holmberg.
– Many are willing to accept any available employment, but naturally, they aspire to find work that aligns with their educational backgrounds and professional experience.
SFI teachers confirm the sharply increasing need for students to learn Swedish.
– They need to learn as quickly as possible to improve their chances of getting a job, says SFI teacher Ida Holmberg.
Ulf Olofsson, principal at SFI, says they have taken significant steps to address the increased demand for Swedish language courses.
How have you shortened the queues?
– We have significantly expanded the range of study formats. SFI is now offered in full-time, part-time, and distance learning options, allowing students to choose the format that best suits their individual needs and schedules. We have increased the number of courses and expanded our intake capacity. Starting next year, we will further increase the number of available study places, he says.
Do you see any risk that former Northvolt employees could be forced to leave the country due to delays in accessing SFI courses, potentially hindering their job search?
– We operate within the legal framework for offering SFI places, with established waiting times for students before course commencement. SFI is a rigorous language program that demands active participation and high attendance. Students are also expected to dedicate significant time to independent study outside of class. Achieving proficiency in Swedish takes time, often more than some individuals in this situation may have available.
Do you have sufficient resources to meet the current demand?
– Yes, we have adequate resources. However, rapidly scaling up education programs presents significant challenges. Finding qualified staff and suitable facilities can be difficult.
Some students have reported lengthy waiting periods. Can you do more to expedite the process?
– We are actively working to further increase our intake capacity.
What advice do you offer to those who are concerned about the wait times?
– I encourage students to not let waiting times deter them from starting their Swedish language learning journey. Use the waiting period to engage in independent study through language learning apps, websites, and resources like YouTube. Active use of Swedish in everyday situations is also an effective way to accelerate language acquisition, says Olofsson.