Public housing provider Stångåstaden has launched an inspiring project to address two key societal challenges: equipping young people with professional skills and creating more housing for young people. As part of this initiative, local construction students are renovating a former preschool into five new apartments designed specifically for young residents.
How does the ‘Young people building for young people’ project work?
The project is a collaborative effort between Stångåstaden, Ljungstedt’s High School in Linköping, and the construction contractor Teknikbyggarna. High school students enrolled in construction training spend three days a week working on-site under the supervision of Teknikbyggarna professionals.
Their mission is to transform the preschool into five modern apartments tailored to the needs of young people. Once finished, these homes will be offered through Stångåstaden’s priority system to individuals aged 18 to 24 currently waiting in the housing queue. At present, the homes are halfway through renovation and are expected to be ready for new tenants by spring 2025.
A win-win initiative for all
The project provides tangible benefits for everybody involved:
- Practical skills for local students:
Construction students gain invaluable, hands-on experience by participating in a real-life project. Working in teams, they take responsibility for various aspects of the renovation, from design to construction. This on-site experience helps build skills that will enhance their career prospects in the labour market. - Community impact for Stångåstaden:
The initiative creates more housing targeted at young residents. By engaging local young people in the process, Stångåstaden ensures the new apartments meet the needs of younger residents. The students are empowered to actively participate in and shape their own future. - Securing the future workforce:
This collaboration also helps tackle the skilled labour shortage in the construction and renovation sector. This can often pose a significant challenge to public and social housing providers. By promoting young talent, the project contributes to ensuring the availability of qualified professionals for the future.
Find out more
The ‘Young people building for young people’ project demonstrates the value of collaboration and investing in young people. To find out more, don’t hesitate to contact Stångåstaden’s coordinator through the Members Only Zone. If you are not yet a member of Eurhonet, find out about joining us.