Nav Vestre Toten has reported a program in Raufoss Industripark that helped two former beneficiaries, Rune Westbakken and Roger Halsnes, return to work, according to local Nav leader Jorun Granberg. The initiative, which involves collaboration between Nav, the municipality, and 75 businesses in the park, has seen 60 participants gain employment or temporary roles in 2025, with 53 more in 2026, according to Granberg.
What led to the program’s success?
Westbakken, 54, regained employment after a fysioterapeut helped him overcome back injuries that left him unemployed since 2014. He now works as a lacquerer at Nammo, a defense contractor with 4,100 employees globally, while pursuing a technical certificate. Roger Halsnes, 52, returned to work after a 2012 injury, securing a role at Benteler, a supplier of car parts, through a Nav-arranged training program. Both credited Nav’s support, including wage subsidies, for their reintegration.
What are the key components of the program?
Granberg outlined five success factors, including a job training center, Isiflo, embedded within the industrial park. The center, operated by Nav and local businesses, offers vocational training and connects participants with employers. Læringsfabrikken, a learning factory in the park, provides foundational industrial training and pathways to formal certifications. Over 67 participants in 2025/2026 completed such programs, with 54 securing jobs or apprenticeships.
Why is this approach significant?
Vestre Toten, an industrial commune with a 16.2% unemployment rate—higher than the national average of 10.5%—has seen stabilized youth unemployment through the program. Granberg emphasized the importance of direct collaboration with businesses, stating that courses are designed with employer input, unlike traditional Nav programs. “We’ve shifted from assuming people will find work to qualifying them for it,” she said.
What may happen next?
The program’s model could expand nationally, as Granberg suggested it is “easily replicable elsewhere.” However, challenges remain, including political debates over the AAP system, which she noted often leads to long-term unemployment. A 2023 proposal by the Høyre party to reform AAP, which it described as “a conveyor belt to disability benefits,” could influence future funding or structure, though Granberg avoided commenting on political decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have found jobs through the program?
60 participants at Isiflo secured employment or temporary roles in 2025, with 53 more through 2026.
What industries are involved?
The park includes 75 businesses, with major employers like Nammo (defense) and Benteler (automotive parts), alongside smaller firms in manufacturing and logistics.
Who is eligible for the training?
The program targets individuals receiving public support, including the unemployed, those on social assistance, and those on Arbeitsavklaringspenger (AAP).
Could this model be adapted to other regions with fewer industrial clusters?
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