Swedish Gymnasieprogram - Business and Administration Programme (Handels- och administrationsprogrammet)

This program provided a foundation for work within trade and service production, aiming to develop insights into business conditions. It prepared students for continued learning in the workplace and further studies.

Program Character and Structure:

The core of the program was service and the knowledge required for work in the service sector, including trade, travel, and tourism. It offered a broad base for professional activities within trade of goods and services, with opportunities for specialization. Key areas included economics, administration, and service, along with an understanding of business acumen and entrepreneurship. The program emphasized administrative techniques and the use of information technology. Service and product knowledge, combined with an understanding of laws and regulations, were considered crucial. The program also focused on presentation and communication skills, as well as environmental awareness, including physical and psychosocial work environments and ecological sustainability. Practical work experience (APL) was a significant component.

Specializations:

The program offered two national specializations:

• Trade and Service: This specialization prepared students for work in retail, corporate sales, telephone sales, online stores, and store displays.
• Tourism and Travel: This specialization provided knowledge about the structure and development of the travel and tourism industry, offering basic knowledge of the industry and opportunities for specialization in local tourism.

Curriculum:

The program consisted of core subjects, program-specific subjects, specialization courses, and elective courses.

• Core Subjects (750 points): Swedish/Swedish as a Second Language, English, Mathematics, Physical Education and Health, Social Studies, Religious Studies, Natural Science, and Aesthetic Activities.
• Program-Specific Subjects (600 points): Administration, Workplace Environment, Computer Use, Business Economics, Trade, and Tourism.
• Specialization Courses (450 points): Students chose courses within their chosen specialization (Trade and Service or Tourism and Travel).
• Elective Courses (300 points): Students could choose from a range of elective courses to broaden or deepen their knowledge. Courses in Mathematics and History were recommended for students aiming for higher education.

Examples of Courses within the Program:

• Administration A (ADM1201): Covered administrative routines, work procedures, and documentation within a company, along with ethical, environmental, and safety considerations.
• Information and Layout A (ADM1205): Focused on internal and external communication, including written and oral communication, text and layout programs, and ergonomic work practices.
• Workplace Environment and Safety (ARL1201): Addressed laws and regulations regarding workplace environment and safety, focusing on preventing physical and psychological harm.
• Projects and Entrepreneurship (ARL1202): Covered project management, entrepreneurship, and contact with companies, authorities, and organizations.
• Computer Skills (DAA1201): Provided knowledge of personal computers, networks, software applications, internet/intranet use, and data security.
• Small Business A (FE1207): Focused on the role and function of small businesses, including basic methods for budgeting, accounting, and marketing.
• Industry and Product Knowledge (HNDL1202): Covered consumer and environmental issues, industry sectors, product information sources, and ethical considerations.
• Sales and Service (HNDL1203): Addressed service skills, sales techniques, consumer and market laws, cash handling, and pricing.
• E-commerce A (HNDL1206): Introduced electronic commerce, online store setup, electronic payment systems, consumer rights, and security regulations.
• Tourism (TURI1205): Provided basic knowledge of tourism, including concepts, definitions, industry roles, development, and future opportunities.

This information reflects the curriculum as described in the linked Skolverket document. Please note that the program has since been revised and renamed the Försäljnings- och serviceprogrammet (Sales and Service Programme). For the most current information, consult Skolverket's website.