In mid-December, an internal letter signed by "Maria Andersson" was circulated to all employees of the Swedish Agency for Vocational Education and Training (MYH), containing sharp critiques regarding the operational standards of vocational schools. The letter claims that the current system allows significant state funding to be directed to large educational institutions, despite them providing limited teacher-led instruction. This raises concerns about the efficacy and financial governance of vocational education, as noted in previous reports by Dagens Nyheter.

MYH responded publicly on their intranet, defending their practices while acknowledging existing shortcomings. The agency's acknowledgment of issues suggests a recognition of the criticisms raised in the letter, and the potential necessity for reforms. The letter emphasizes that current regulations do not adequately scrutinize the amount of instructional time led by teachers in vocational programs, which is a critical element for ensuring quality education.

The implications of this critique are significant, as they challenge not only the funding models for vocational training in Sweden but also the overall quality of education that students receive. The conversation initiated by this letter could lead to public discussions and policy changes about how education funds are allocated, and may prompt rigorous evaluations of educational programs and their alignment with intended learning outcomes.