“It feels like we’re studying right inside the industry”

The Production program at Luleå University of Technology is now running for the second time – this year as a distance program with around 20 students enrolled. One of them is Urban Vikdahl, a high school teacher in Skellefteå.

Urban isn't the typical student. With eight years of university studies already behind him, he's now preparing to take charge of the Production course in his high school's Technology program. To strengthen his knowledge, he chose to join LTU's Production program – even though he knows it'll be a challenge to fit everything in.

– I love gathering more knowledge. With the new high school curriculum focusing on sustainable production, the timing couldn't be better for further training. And this program really captured my interest – even though I know it'll be a challenge to complete everything.

Urban also sees the bigger picture.

– Skellefteå is growing, and entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and automation are key. Imagine a hub where small startups can produce and sell – that would be fantastic.

He continues:

– We get to work with real cases, meet guest lecturers from companies, and understand how theory and practice connect. That's what makes the program so valuable. It feels like we’re studying right inside the industry.

The two-year program combines academic knowledge with practical insights. Students explore topics such as LEAN, sustainable production, quality engineering, automation, and advanced manufacturing methods, while also working on industry-driven projects.

Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck, professor in product innovation and our Program Manager for Circular Industries, has been instrumental in making the program a reality.

– We’re happy to see the program running again. It opens doors for more students and helps build the region's future industrial competence, says Anna.

Read more about the Production program

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