Norway faces a major shortage of healthcare workers in coming years. The aging population creates growing demand for care services while fewer young people enter the workforce.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of working-age Norwegians receive unemployment benefits. Politicians frequently emphasize that everyone who can work should work.
How can more people find employment? For 23-year-old Aksel Strand Gerhardsen, the 'Men in Healthcare' project provided the answer.
Gerhardsen now trains as a healthcare worker while working in home care services in Oslo's Vestre Aker district. He looks forward to work every day.
'The best part is all the people I meet, all the smiles and positivity,' he said. 'The worst part? I can't think of anything. It's all positive.'
He searched for retail jobs in Oslo for over a year without success. Then he learned about an alternative career path through his unemployment program.
Had he considered healthcare work before? 'No. I worked in retail since I was 17. At the Nav job-seeking course, I heard about 'Men in Healthcare,' applied and got a place,' he explained.
His workday involves visiting elderly and sick people who need assistance at home. In about eighteen months, he will take his professional examination.
Though training participants costs money, the benefits outweigh expenses. Official calculations show each participant generates 1.1 million kroner in socioeconomic benefits.
'This is a real win-win situation,' said Gunn Marit Helgesen, chair of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities.
Her organization partners in the project. 'We have too many people outside working life. We need many new professionals in healthcare. Through this project, we get engaged men into healthcare, they get education, and we achieve better gender balance in the sector,' she explained.
The future healthcare worker enjoys his daily routine. He likes being around people and finds satisfaction in helping and talking with elderly clients.
'The work is very rewarding and gives me only good things in return. I'm very happy with my career choice. It's perfect for me,' Gerhardsen said.
Returning to school and providing personal care to others might seem daunting. But Gerhardsen found the transition smooth.
'At first I was a bit nervous, but I joined a good class with great classmates and teachers. We're a good group that motivates each other to complete the studies,' he noted.
When he and his classmates complete training, their skills will be in high demand on the job market.
District leader Yngvar A. Husebye confirmed the growing need. 'We have a very large need. We have many skilled professionals, and we need more,' he said.
This initiative addresses two pressing issues simultaneously - unemployment among men and healthcare staffing shortages. The program demonstrates how targeted training can create workforce solutions while improving gender balance in female-dominated professions.