Mittuniversitetet in Västernorrland has empty seats in its preschool teacher training program, and the shortage of qualified staff risks deepening as fewer students apply, major media reports indicate. Skolverket forecasts that the deficit of qualified teachers and preschool teachers will exceed 10,000 by 2038, despite smaller birth cohorts. Currently, about 40,000 employees in Swedish preschools lack proper pedagogical higher education, according to multiple reports.
The empty seats lead to financial losses and long-term risks for competence supply at Mittuniversitetet, major media reports. Without new preschool teachers, the workload on existing staff increases, creating a negative spiral. A significant proportion of preschool staff in Västernorrland lack formal qualifications, and the union Sveriges Lärare states that the lack of qualified staff threatens the quality of education.
Barriers to entry include stricter eligibility requirements in core subjects, which cause many applicants to be denied admission, according to major media reports. The work environment and status of the profession are often questioned. Experts emphasize that major efforts are needed to improve the work environment, raise the status of the profession, and secure future competence supply.