News | 22 April 2026

IES Österåker Students Complete First PRAO Week

Our students at IES Österåker recently completed their first PRAO week, gaining valuable insights into the professional world. Working at local supermarkets, they developed resilience and a deeper respect for the labour market.

Practical Work Readiness (PRAO) is an essential part of the Swedish curriculum, and for our students at IES Österåker, it was a week filled with learning, hard work, and grit. Many students spent their time at local supermarkets like ICA Maxi, Willys, and Coop, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how these businesses operate.

The experience was both rewarding and physically demanding as students were immersed in daily operations. They learned about the "First In, First Out" (FIFO) inventory system and the vital importance of organisation in a busy retail environment. Many noted that the physical effort of standing and moving all day was much more tiring than sitting in lessons, which provided a new perspective on the stamina required for professional life.

During the week, students also learned to navigate interactions with the public. They practiced patience and kindness even when faced with difficult situations or impatient customers. The staff at the supermarkets provided clear instructions and support, showing the students how essential collaboration and teamwork are to keep a business running smoothly. The students all returned to school with wonderful stories to tell of funny mishaps that occurred when they tried something new.

At IES, we believe in boosting students to feel motivated and not give up in the face of adversity. This grit was on full display as students handled heavy boxes and navigated complex stockrooms. Many reflected that they now have a much higher level of respect for retail workers and the effort involved in running a shop. Whether it was learning to use hand terminals or mastering the art of "fronting" products on shelves, our students returned to school with a better understanding of their own potential and the opportunities that await them in future careers.