They meet Highly Skilled Knowledge among many of the Northvolt Redundancies

It’s an intense time in Skellefteå right now for Pernilla Tingvall and Stina Johansson. They are two of the representatives from Luleå University of Technology taking part in the information days organised by Skellefteå Municipality in response to the redundancies at Northvolt.

“We’re meeting people with a high level of education, often at master’s level, who show a strong interest in both doctoral positions and opportunities to update their knowledge through further studies. Many are also keen to improve their Swedish and are exploring academic pathways in Sweden,” says Pernilla Tingvall, Coordinator for Lifelong Learning at Luleå University of Technology.

On the first day, around 300 people attended the event at The Great Northern in Skellefteå, which is being hosted by the municipality. The university’s stand received around forty visitors, with most of the conversations being long and in-depth. Many of the former Northvolt employees are currently in a transition phase, with several having received their redundancy notices the very same day they spoke with university representatives. The most common questions concerned postgraduate education, job opportunities, and how to navigate the university’s course and programme system. A large proportion of the former Northvolt staff are academics with advanced knowledge in battery production—expertise that is in demand in Sweden.

“There’s been significant interest in Luleå University of Technology. Other exhibitors have remarked that we’ve been busy all day, with queues forming at our stand on several occasions. It’s clear that many enjoy living in Sweden, especially in the north, and are eager to stay. Many have already taken their own initiative and reached out to companies like Stegra, Boliden, LKAB and SSAB,” says Stina Johansson, Collaboration Strategist at Luleå University of Technology.

She adds that, despite the warm and respectful atmosphere, there was a clear sense of unease in the air. The mass redundancies affect not only those who have lost their jobs but also their families. Many have lived in Sweden for several years, have children in school, and are deeply committed to continuing their lives here.

“We feel that the presence of Luleå University of Technology is important—that we are in Skellefteå both as someone to talk to and as a concrete guide in a time of great uncertainty,” says Pernilla Tingvall.

On Tuesday, Luleå University of Technology announced it had joined the non-profit business organisation Beredskapslyftet, with the aim of recruiting qualified professionals. Together with other partners, the university is also establishing the Transition Academy—an academy for career transition. This initiative will bring together education, support, and resources related to the green transition for individuals who want to change paths, strengthen their skills, or take the next step in their careers.

LTU on site in Skellefteå - for transition and future External link.