Sweden needs engineers, but students can't find summer jobs

Sweden is experiencing a paradox: a high demand for engineers, projected to increase by 35% by 2035, clashes with a significant number of students unable to secure summer employment in their field. A recent report by the union Sveriges Ingenjörer reveals that four out of ten engineering students are without summer jobs.

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It is serious because many unfortunately drop out of their studies.

This lack of practical experience is a major concern. "It is serious because many unfortunately drop out of their studies," says Ulrika Lindstrand, the union's president. She emphasizes the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in practice to maintain student motivation and demonstrate a viable career path.

For "Sverige AB" – the nation's economy – this is also a critical issue. "We need engineers to manage competition and the green transition in the future," Lindstrand states. The situation is dire, as only about 40% of students who do find summer work report it being related to their engineering studies, meaning just 25% gain relevant experience.

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And for Sverige AB, it is very serious, because we need engineers to manage competition and the green transition in the future.

Sean Banegas, a 20-year-old civil engineering student at Lund University of Technology, exemplifies the struggle. Despite proactively contacting around 40 tech companies since winter, he has not secured a summer position. "It feels very disappointing, especially when you're not even called for an interview. It's just a dead end right away, without getting to show anything or explain who I am," he said.

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It feels very disappointing, especially when you're not even called for an interview. It's just a dead end right away, without getting to show anything or explain who I am.