Swedish student inspires classmates to pursue summer internships in Sortland

A Swedish student, Max Åqvist, worked as a summer intern in the healthcare sector in Sortland last year and shared photos from his experience with classmates in Skåne, Sweden. His enthusiasm inspired 15 classmates to apply for summer intern positions in Sortland this year. The municipality has faced challenges in recruiting enough summer workers and has utilized social media to attract applicants. Interestingly, around 60 Swedish students have also taken summer jobs in Narvik, where the working conditions are perceived to be better compared to Sweden.

Åqvist, now a healthcare intern for the second consecutive year, noted that many of his peers had heard of Lofoten and Vesterålen and expressed interest in visiting due to the stunning scenery and the municipality’s need for summer help. The struggle to secure sufficient summer staff has pushed municipalities to rethink their recruitment strategies.

Two years ago, Sortland hired a local company to create promotional videos for social media, which proved successful. This year, the positive word-of-mouth from Åqvist played a crucial role in attracting more student applicants.

Those who came to Sortland this summer have also brought friends, creating a snowball effect. Åqvist is open to returning next year, finding the summer job an amazing way to spend his time.

Sture Jacobsen, healthcare director in Sortland, praised Åqvist’s impact and even planned to reward him for his significant contribution to recruitment. Meanwhile, the community acknowledges the ongoing challenge of finding qualified seasonal workers, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to attract and retain staff.

In Narvik, healthcare students have also praised the opportunity to dedicate more time to elderly care, highlighting the superior conditions in Norway. The breathtaking nature of both Narvik and Vesterålen adds to the appeal for these students, offering a perfect blend of work and outdoor activities.