The goal is for students in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas to gain better access to the labor market and new networks. The hope is that early contact with working life will increase motivation in school and provide new future prospects for the city's youth. The first students will begin their placements in the spring term of 2027.
The SAO-jobb will first be introduced at three schools: Sätraskolan in Skärholmen, Enbacksskolan in Järva, and Vällingbyskolan in Hässelby/Vällingby. The SAO-jobb does not remove any school time; schedules at each participating school are adjusted so all other teaching follows the curriculum. Companies will pay the salary, which will be 750 kronor per month plus holiday pay.
Students will work at real workplaces that the city has cooperation with and receive pay according to collective agreements. Companies will cover the salaries, and Stockholm City will be responsible for coordination and matching between students and workplaces. To keep the job, students must manage their school attendance; those with too high invalid absence can be paused from work until attendance improves.
The model is already used in places like Upplands-Väsby and Sundbyberg. The initiative originally comes from the organization Next Generation Sweden, which works to connect school and working life. Similar models have been tested in other parts of the country with positive results.
The ambition is for the pilot project to grow and expand to other parts of the city. The SAO-jobb will replace the traditional prao period and become part of school education. Interest in participating has been high from the business sector, according to the politicians.
The SAO-jobb model involves eighth graders working two hours per week for one school year at a company, as part of the pilot project launched by Stockholm City. This initiative aims to provide structured work experience during school hours without disrupting the curriculum, with a focus on enhancing labor market access and motivation for students from disadvantaged areas.