Table 1
Comparison of WEP organisation in lower secondary education in Nordic countries.
| DENMARK | GREENLAND | FINLAND | ICELAND | NORWAY | SWEDEN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career education | Compulsory topic, integrated in the compulsory subjects | Compulsory topic, integrated in other compulsory subjects | Compulsory, timetabled subject | Vaguely mentioned, topic integrated in other compulsory subjects | Compulsory, timetabled subject | Compulsory, integrated in other compulsory subjects |
| WEP | Optional | Optional | Mandatory | Not stated | Optional | Mandatory |
| WEP in curriculum | Mentioned | Not stated | Described in detail | Not stated | Not stated | Mentioned |
| Purpose of WEP | Not stated | Not stated | To create a foundation for educational and career choices and to increase appreciation for working life in general, develop job search skills | Not stated | Not stated | Help students to gain knowledge about working life prior to future study and career choices |
| Duration of WEP | One optional week in grades 7 to 10 | Not stated | One to three days in grade 7 Five days in grade 8 Five to ten days in grade 9 | Not stated | Not stated | At least ten days in total for all students from grade 8 in compulsory school |
| Assessment of WEP | Not specified | Not specified | Workplace and student self-assessment | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Responsibility for finding WEP | Student and parents | Not specified | Students supported by study counsellors | Not specified | Not specified | Municipality or school |
| Employers’ role | Not specified | Not specified | Partners | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |