Upper secondary education embraces all courses leading to educational qualifications above the lower secondary level and below the level of higher education. Since autumn 1994, everyone between the ages of 16 and 19 has had a statutory right to three years’ upper secondary education leading either to higher education or to vocational qualifications or partial qualifications. Applicants are entitled to a place on one of the three foundation courses they apply for. It has been made easier for those who have opted for vocational training to acquire the necessary additional qualifications for entrance to higher education. County authorities are obliged by law to provide a follow-up service for young people between 16 and 19 who are currently neither attending a course of education nor are employed.
Physically disabled pupils are entitled to more than three years of upper secondary education.
General theoretical education and vocational training
Upper secondary education is provided throughout the country and is designed to make equivalent educational courses available to everyone. Previously, a number of different types of upper secondary school existed, providing courses of varying duration but, since 1976, Norway has had a uniform upper secondary school, combining general theoretical education and vocational training and giving equal status to practical and theoretical education. General theoretical education and vocational training are offered side by side, often in the same school building. During the first year, students take one of 15 foundation courses. Specialized courses are offered in the second and third year (advanced courses I and II) and in apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship schemes are part of the upper secondary school system. The first two years of training are provided at school, whereas the final specialized part (up to two years) is given at a workplace in the form of on-the-job training. If not enough apprenticeships are available, the county authority must offer training at school in the form of a third year course (advanced course II). The final examination (trade or journeyman’s examination) is the same regardless of whether training has taken place at school or at a workplace.
The 15 foundation courses are:
- General and Business Studies
- Music, Dance and Drama
- Sport and Physical Education
- Health and Social Care
- Arts, Crafts and Design
- Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
- Hotel and Food-Processing Trades
- Building and Construction Trades
- Technical Building Trades
- Electrical Trades
- Engineering and Mechanical Trades
- Chemical and Processing Trades
- Woodworking Trades
- Sales and Service Trades
- Media and Communication
