2. Adult Learning Centre Söderhamn, Sweden

3. Söderhamn – in central Sweden

4. Background Vision 2005 states the need for a common ”arena” for companies and education. A need to create an effective educational organisation for all post-sixth form educational courses and adult education in Söderhamn Söderhamn Technology Park/requirement for strategic educational measures and R&D.

5. Vision 2005 Learning Söderhamn Learning is the most important source of inspiration and the driving force for innovation and development in industry. In Söderhamn, companies and individuals gain access to education and learning, as determined by their needs and circumstances.

6. Local authority organisation *CFL - Centre for Flexible Learning *AME - Labour Market Unit *IME - Integration and Migration Unit *SDV - Day Activity Centres

7. Guidance Unit CFL – Centre for flexible learning Adult education Colleges Unit Adult education Post sixth-form education/ Advanced Vocational Training and college education Commissioned education, internal and external education Project operation Guidance infotech Commissioning Unit Project

8. Common arena – common address The Söderhamn arena for lifelong learning Flexibility ServiceQuality

9. An arena for development and growth

10. Target groups Firstly: Gainfully employed people People connected to the community Secondly: ”Dubious” students with no tradition of study

11. Working market and skills for growth and democracy Learning for growth and democracy/Growth Project Adult Education College education Study guidance Advanced Vocational Training ALI/R&D Särvux – Adult literacy and numeracy SFI - Swedish for Immigrants Working market and industrial issues Media/literature Validation

12. Implications of the arena Accessibility – to new groups Security for those unaccustomed to studying Economy for the individual Lower thresholds, removes the ”threat” from higher education Importance of the group, safety net Social learning, deep learning Local and regional development

13. Data from the end of 90’s for the region: New college students under 35 years by social background

14. Previous collage education