EA Åkeri enters new APL Partnership with Katedralskolan

It’s now official. EA Åkeri, a company within Tempcon Group, has signed a three-year workplace-based learning (APL) agreement with Katedralskolan in Skara. The partnership creates long-term opportunities for young people to establish themselves in the transport sector – while also strengthening the industry’s future talent supply.

For many years, EA Åkeri has welcomed students from various vocational high school transport programs. But in May this year, the collaboration with Katedralskolan was formalized through a written APL agreement. Under the agreement, five students per year will receive hands-on workplace training at the company.

Johan Brunkow, Head of EA Åkeri, sees the agreement as both natural and a testament to the positive results of their educational efforts.

“We’ve been collaborating with the school for over ten years, but this is the first time we’ve had a clear agreement with structure, responsibility, and mutual commitments. It provides security – both for us and the students,” says Johan Brunkow.

A strategic investment in the industry’s future

At EA Åkeri, APL is seen as a concrete and long-term investment in the future.

“Many of the students we’ve trained have gone on to become full-time employees. They already know our routines and company culture, which makes the transition into working life smoother and more secure.”

A key element of the partnership is showcasing the diversity within the transport industry. Preconceptions about the truck driver’s role still exist, but today’s vehicles, work environments, and technologies paint a much more modern picture.

“It’s not heavy or dirty work. It’s clean, technical, and professional – with fridges and microwaves in the cabs, and many digital tools. That appeals to more young women, and gender balance among students is now nearly equal nationwide. In the Skaraborg region, it’s even better.”

Positive feedback from students and school alike

The school’s promotion of the partnership has had a ripple effect, according to Brunkow.

“Students are well informed about industry players. We’ve noticed that our engagement is spreading to other municipalities, and we’re seeing students from other schools applying to us.”

EA Åkeri also participates in the school’s curriculum council, where they provide input on education content from an industry perspective – for example, suggesting vehicle types or relevant technologies for students to gain experience with.

“For us, it’s about helping shape the next generation of logistics professionals. That benefits us as an employer – and the industry as a whole.”

Aligned with Tempcon’s long-term strategy

As part of the Tempcon Group, the partnership between EA Åkeri and Katedralskolan is also a strong example of the group’s commitment to social sustainability and future competence. By offering structured APL placements, not only is the local business community strengthened – but Tempcon’s long-term access to skilled drivers is secured.

“We believe this is a concept we can scale across other parts of the group. It’s a great example of how we are working together to build a sustainable future for the logistics industry,” concludes Johan Brunkow.