Teacher, the craft program

What does a teacher within the craft program do? – Tasks and work environment

A teacher within the craft program is responsible for educating high school students in various craft trades, such as hairdressing, floristry, textiles, or fine carpentry. Tasks include both theoretical teaching and practical supervision in workshops or studios, where students get the opportunity to develop their skills and understanding of industry requirements. Teachers plan and conduct lessons, assess student work, and often collaborate with industry to arrange internships. The work environment varies between classrooms, workshops, and sometimes workplaces outside the school, requiring flexibility and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

Teachers within the craft program have experienced steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 41 600 SEK in 2024. This salary increase corresponds to approximately 6.4% over the period and indicates a positive trend. Driving factors include increased demand for vocational teachers, especially in shortage occupations, and higher skill requirements as education programs evolve. Despite this increase, some regional and gender differences remain. Market needs for qualified teachers and educational policy investments have contributed to raising salary levels and improving conditions for the profession.

Teachers within the craft program salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK
• Men: 41 800 SEK/month
• Women: 41 300 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a teacher within the craft program, both subject expertise in the chosen craft and pedagogical teacher training are required. The entry path varies depending on previous work experience and educational background, but often combines a vocational qualification with supplementary pedagogical studies. Practical experience in the industry is highly meritorious and often a requirement to teach practical components.

• Teacher qualification: Vocational teacher qualification (3.5 years) or supplementary pedagogical training
• Vocational education: Upper secondary or post-secondary education within the relevant craft
• Internship/work experience: Several years of documented experience in the profession
• Certifications: Industry-specific certificates may be required for certain crafts
• Prerequisites: Often require completed upper secondary education and professional experience

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for teachers within the craft program include occupational pension, wellness allowance, paid professional development, and sometimes reduced working hours during holiday periods. Many employers also provide work clothing, tools, and support for skills development in both pedagogy and the craft itself.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a teacher within the craft program is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation, where there is high demand for qualified teachers but difficulty in recruiting persons with the right skills. Many leave the profession or work part-time, which exacerbates the shortage. Challenges include staying updated with pedagogical methods and technological developments within the craft. Workload can be high, especially during periods with extensive practical supervision and student assessment. Despite this, the profession offers variety, opportunities for personal creative work, and close contact with students and industry.

Tips for aspiring teachers within the craft program

To succeed as a teacher within the craft program, it is beneficial to combine craft skills with pedagogical curiosity and flexibility. Patience is helpful when students need extra support or guidance in practical tasks, while collaboration skills are crucial for building relationships with colleagues and industry partners. Being organized facilitates lesson planning and task management, while creativity inspires teaching. It is also important to be open to change and ongoing learning, as both the craft industry and educational approaches develop rapidly. Strong engagement for youth learning and a willingness to share personal experiences are qualities that often lead to success in the profession.

Key facts about teachers within the craft program

• Education level: Vocational teacher qualification (3.5 years) + extensive work experience
• Work environment: School, workshop, studio, and sometimes workplaces outside the school
• Demand: Nationally considered strong employment prospects
• Number of available jobs: 434 within the profession (May 2024)
• Special skills: Practical vocational competence and pedagogical ability

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, opportunities open for teachers within the craft program to take on more responsibility, such as program coordinator, team leader, or mentor for new teachers. Some choose to further their education and work on developing educational materials or collaborate with industry on internships and apprenticeship programs. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, the job market remains good, with strong opportunities nationwide and unchanged demand over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties persist, but persons with the right skills have good chances for employment and career development in the field.

Frequently asked questions about teachers within the craft program

• What does a teacher within the craft program earn?
  - The average salary is 41 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a teacher within the craft program?
  - Vocational teacher qualification or supplementary pedagogical training, along with documented professional experience in the craft.
• Are there many job openings for teachers within the craft program?
  - Yes, there are 434 available jobs according to current statistics.
• What are the gender differences in salaries for teachers within the craft program?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 47,600 SEK (male, private sector, research education), the lowest is 34,400 SEK (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education).
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Pedagogical ability, patience, flexibility, creativity, and collaboration skills are important qualities.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast indicates high demand and expected stability over the next five years.