Declining Birth Rates Lead to Preschool Staff Retraining for Elderly Care Roles

Sweden is experiencing a significant decline in the number of children in preschool age, with estimates indicating a reduction of approximately 43,000 children between 2024 and 2034. This demographic shift is expected to lead to the closure of nearly one in ten preschools nationwide, roughly 800 institutions in total.

In response to this trend, Svedala Municipality has initiated a program to retrain preschool staff for roles in elderly care, addressing both the surplus of preschool personnel and the rising demand for healthcare workers. The municipality offers affected staff members a paid training program to become assistant nurses, a measure designed to ensure continued employment and facilitate the transition into the healthcare sector.

The training is structured so that participants study part-time while simultaneously working part-time in elderly care facilities. This arrangement allows them to maintain full-time compensation throughout the educational period. The program is open to all preschool staff, including those whose positions have been discontinued and those still employed, reflecting the municipality's commitment to voluntary participation and workforce adaptability.

Despite the availability of the program, uptake has been limited. Out of over 300 preschool staff members in Svedala, only five have opted to participate in the retraining initiative to date. Possible reasons for the modest response include a strong vocational preference for working with children and the option to seek preschool employment in other municipalities rather than switching fields entirely.

The assistant nurse training program covers both theoretical and practical components, including subjects such as anatomy and physiology. Participants combine classroom learning with hands-on experience in elderly care homes, which provides immediate application of new skills and knowledge. The rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare staff for the demands of healthcare roles, with support from specialized instructors.

Many of the participants in the retraining program balance their studies and new work commitments with family responsibilities, making the transition particularly demanding. The program also includes individuals with previous temporary experience in healthcare who require formal qualifications for permanent positions.

The similarities and differences between preschool and elderly care work are noted by participants, who observe that both roles require patience and a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. However, elderly care often involves adapting to a slower pace and addressing complex medical needs, contrasting with the energetic environment of preschools.

The Svedala initiative reflects broader national challenges, as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to outpace supply despite increased training efforts. Other municipalities, such as Malmö and Lund, are also expanding their healthcare education programs to address ongoing shortages in the sector.

Overall, the retraining program aims to support workforce mobility and meet evolving societal needs, providing a strategic solution to changes in population demographics and labor market requirements.