Courses and education
Overview of courses and education
Professional courses
Efling Trade Union, in collaboration with recognized educational providers, has offered professional courses for employees in the labor market.
Postgraduate studies for club members – Dementia
The program is intended, among other things, to increase insight into the needs and circumstances of individuals with dementia. There will be education about the different characteristics and prevalence of dementia diseases. Communication with patients and relatives. The role and services of interest groups are introduced. Field trips will be taken and projects completed after those trips. Study material from the instructor, videos, other material presented in class.
The program is intended for members of Efling and is free of charge.
Teaching takes place at Mímir, Höfðabakki 9.
Registration takes place on the Mímis website and Mímis staff can answer questions about the application process. More information can be found by clicking on a course on the schedule below.
Postgraduate studies for social workers – disabilities and mental disorders
The program is intended, among other things, to increase insight into the needs and circumstances of individuals with various impairments that lead to disability. The protection of the rights of people with disabilities is introduced and the role and services of interest groups are introduced. Field trips are taken and aspects such as structured work methods and visual daily planning are worked on.
Ways to support and increase the social skills of the service user are introduced. Students receive training in the use of switching equipment and computers. The NPA service form is introduced by the service user.
The program is intended for members of Efling and is free of charge.
Teaching takes place at Mímir, Höfðabakki 9.
Registration takes place on the Mímis website and Mímis staff can answer questions about the application process. More information can be found by clicking on a course on the schedule below.
Care – professional courses I and II
The courses are intended for those who assist, care for or support the sick, disabled and elderly in private homes or institutions. Also for those who assist clients with shopping, cleaning and personal care. Participants must complete the previous course in order to continue on the later one. Course components include assistance and care, first aid, self-empowerment and communication, physical exercise and more.
The professional courses are a precursor to studying for a member bridge. The courses are intended for Efling members who work in health and social services.
Teaching takes place at Mímir, Höfðabakki 9.
Efling's vocational training funds pay the course fee in full for members who work for public employers. Applications are made through the Mímis website and Mímis staff will answer questions about the application process. For more information, click on a course on the schedule below.
Hildur Ros Gudnadottir
"Taking this kind of course is good for you in so many ways. It keeps you on track and increases your understanding of the job and your clients. During the course, you gain more knowledge, improve your skills, and also get a small pay raise. I encourage all union representatives to encourage their colleagues to take this course."
Gitana Ambrazunaite:
"I found everything about this course interesting. Since I come from another country, I found it fun and very useful to learn about how we approach various things related to care here in Iceland. It is often different from how we approach things in the country I come from. This is a different culture with different approaches to human relations, which is necessary to be aware of when working with the care of vulnerable groups."
Club Team Portal
Félagslitagátt is intended for people who work in care, for example in nursing homes, in home care or in home care.
The aim of the program is to increase the knowledge, skills and professionalism of those who care for individuals who need assistance or specialized services with activities of daily living. The field of work of social workers covers a wide range of social rehabilitation and functional resources for those who, due to social circumstances, illness, aging, developmental disorders or any other trauma, need special support.
About the club portal
Félagsliagatt is for those who have reached the age of 22 and have at least three years of work experience in care work. Students must also have completed 190 hours of work-related courses, such as Vocational Courses 1 and 2 in Care . Secondary school credits are also valued if the courses are the same or comparable to those taught in the program. Those who want to have their knowledge and experience assessed can also register for a practical skills assessment at Mímir: Practical Skills Assessment | Mímir – Become More! (mimir.is)
At Mími, students complete 4 semesters out of 6, but to graduate as a club member, students complete the last two semesters of high school. The program at Mími is equivalent to 86 high school credits.
Structure of the program
The teaching is a mix of distance and on-site learning. Each module is taught for 4 weeks. At the beginning and end of the module, there is a mandatory afternoon class on a weekday. In between, the learning takes place online. Students listen to lectures at home, participate in online discussions, and work on projects. Between on-site learning sessions, there will be workshops on Teams where students meet with teachers.
The program is taught in Icelandic.
Registration
Registration is done online. See the next courses that are scheduled below. Applications are made through the Mímis website and Mímis staff will answer questions about the application process.
Kindergarten team bridge
The Kindergarten Teacher Bridge is intended for those who work in kindergartens raising and caring for children. The program is credit-bearing and is taught according to the National Curriculum Guide for Upper Secondary Schools. Upon completion, students graduate as kindergarten teachers.
The program provides knowledge and skills to work with children in learning and play. Emphasis is placed on pedagogy, psychology, artistic creation and the use of games. Preschool teachers work alongside other professionals in preschools.
Bridge studies are based on 3 years of work experience and approximately 140-170 hours of work-related courses, for example vocational courses I and II for preschool employees.
Similarly, secondary school credits are assessed if the courses are the same or comparable to those taught in the program. The program consists of 61 secondary school credits and is taught over four semesters. Those who want to have their knowledge and experience assessed can also register for a practical skills assessment at Mímir: Practical Skills Assessment | Mímir – Be More! (mimir.is)
The program is intended for Efling members who work in preschools and is free of charge.
The course is taught in Icelandic.
Registration
Registration is done online. See the next courses that are scheduled below. Applications are made through the Mímis website and Mímis staff will answer questions about the application process.
Door and night guard training courses
The doorman training program is intended for working doormen, but the program is also suitable for other staff in hotels and restaurants, for example those who work night shifts. This is an internship program, intended to strengthen participants in their work.
Mímir holds the course in collaboration with the police in the capital area and the city of Reykjavík.
Participants who have completed this 24-hour course can receive a doorman certificate valid for three years if they meet the following requirements:
- Are 20 years old
- Have no drug or violent offenses on your criminal record in the last 5 years
Classes are held at Mímir, Höfðabakki 9. Registration is at Mímir or by phone at 580 1800.
Members can apply for a grant for course fees from Efling's educational fund.
Kindergarten employees – professional courses I and II
The program is intended for individuals who are over 20 years old, have a short schooling background, and work in preschools. The professional courses emphasize both learning elements that strengthen personal and general skills, such as self-empowerment and communication, learning techniques, skills portfolios, and computers, and then learning elements such as raising preschool children, the growth and development of preschool children, art work with children, the preschool curriculum, multicultural preschools, and more.
The vocational courses are a precursor to studying in a preschool art class.
The course is intended for Efling members who work in preschools and is free of charge.
Teaching takes place at Mímir, Höfðabakki 9.
The courses are taught in Icelandic.
Registration
Registration is done online. See the next courses that are scheduled below. Applications are made through the Mímis website and Mímis staff will answer questions about the application process.
Kolbrún Ólína Diego
"The course was very informative and we learned so much that I found it very enjoyable. The accident prevention course, for example, is great, I learned an incredible amount there. It is also interesting to learn about all kinds of parenting trends and we also visited other preschools. You learn so much from seeing how others do things. I decided to continue and join the preschool team."
Anna Radyszkiewicz
"I really enjoyed the program and learned a lot. I met great people who work in the same field as me, and the teachers were also very good. I found it especially interesting to learn about bilingual children and how we at the preschool can support them and help them settle into preschool. I start working again tomorrow after the summer break and I'm looking forward to using everything I've learned from the program."
Kitchen and cafeteria – professional courses I, II and III
The aim of the courses is to increase the skills of staff to perform their jobs in canteens and kitchens. Emphasis is placed on increasing professional knowledge in the field of food and catering and giving adults the opportunity for professional education in the field.
The vocational courses I and II emphasize communication, computer use, hygiene, nutrition, and vegetarian cooking.
Professional Course III focuses on menu planning and cooking for vegetarians and those with allergies and intolerances.
Studying in the professional courses is assessed for credits in studies in food and catering disciplines, including studies in catering and food technology.
Teaching takes place at the Kópavogur High School.
The courses are taught in Icelandic.
Icelandic language support in studies. Icelandic lessons are offered with vocabulary for the topic being covered that week.
Registration
Registration is done online. See the next courses scheduled below.
Hólmfríður Erla Hestnes
"What perhaps surprised me most is how easy it is to make vegetarian food. I thought it would be a lot more trouble, but it's just a different ingredient and the same work!"
The courses are intended for Efling members who work in kitchens and cafeterias and are free of charge to them."
Other courses from recognized educational providers
Various useful courses can be found at recognized educational providers with whom Efling collaborates.
Mímir – lifelong learning
Mímir-símentun is an educational company operating in the field of further education and vocational training. The main goal of Mímir-símentun is to create learning opportunities for people with short formal schooling and to encourage people in the labor market to pursue lifelong learning and career development. Another main goal is to offer a variety of instruction in Icelandic as a second language, as well as language courses. The organization of the program takes into account the needs of working people and the business community at any given time.
Rights
The rental market in Iceland
This course will discuss the Icelandic rental market, the situation of tenants, and what options they have to improve their situation.
Guðmundur Hrafn Arngrímsson, chairman of the Icelandic Tenants' Association, will present facts about the Icelandic rental market and compare it to neighboring countries. He will also talk about the main challenges tenants face in the Icelandic rental market, what the Icelandic Tenants' Association is fighting for, and what their main demands are.
Next, the activities and services of the Consumer Association's Tenant Assistance Service will be introduced. The main issues that are received by the Tenant Assistance Service and the remedies related to them will be reviewed. The obligations of the tenant and the landlord will then be examined, and the provisions of the Tenancy Act that may be waived in a lease agreement will be discussed.
All members are welcome. The course is free, but we kindly ask you to register so we can estimate the number of attendees.
Pension rights
A representative of the Icelandic Pension Fund Association answers questions that are burning in Efling's companies, such as: How does the pension fund system work in Iceland? How do general pension funds and the Social Insurance Institution interact? Where can I get information about my pension rights in Iceland? How can I prepare for retirement?
The course is offered in Icelandic, English and Polish.
Classes take place at Efling's premises, Guðrúnartún 1, 4th floor, and are free of charge to members.
For those who are starting to consider quitting their jobs, we also recommend Á tímámótum – Retirement Course. It is a more in-depth course that covers retirement preparation from different perspectives.
The tax system in Iceland
The law and regulations regarding the tax system in Iceland will be reviewed. What are the obligations of taxpayers and what is the difference between salary and contractor payments? We will also discuss preparing a tax return and what expenses can be used as tax deductions.
The course is offered in English and Polish.
English: March 4, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Polish: March 5, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Classes take place at Efling's premises, Guðrúnartún 1, 4th floor, and are free of charge to members.
Rights and obligations in the labor market
Efling offers members a course on rights and obligations in the labor market . The course is offered in Icelandic, English and Polish.
The course is part of providing members in Efling with information about their rights in the labor market and with the union. Experts
Strengthening of collective bargaining agreements covers the main aspects of collective bargaining agreements, such as sick leave, notice periods and more, as well as introducing members' rights in the company's funds.
The course is free of charge for members.
At a turning point – retirement course
Are you starting to think about retirement? Then you can attend Efling's courses, which provide practical information about the turning point. Leaving the labor market requires careful preparation. The change has a major impact on people's lives and is a big step to take. With good preparation, you can make the new role in life positive.
During the course, experts will discuss, for example, health insurance, pension rights, health and union rights, and answer questions from participants. There will also be a discussion of what is available in social work and education for people of advanced age.
The course is offered in Icelandic, English and Polish.
Icelandic: November 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Icelandic: April 14-15, 2026 at 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
English: April 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Polish: April 22, 2026 at 6:21 p.m.
The course is held in collaboration with Mími.
Classes take place at Efling's premises, Guðrúnartún 1, 4th floor, and are free of charge to members.
To register for the course, click on the date that suits you below and then fill out the registration form.
Trade union education
Efling's shop stewards are an important link in the company's work, and every effort is made to offer them first-class education that addresses the fundamental aspects of the labor market.
Efling's shop steward course
Efling's shop steward courses provide the company's shop stewards with the necessary education and training to carry out their role. The courses are a continuing education course that shop stewards are required to attend throughout their term of office. The courses are held during daytime hours one day a month from September to May. Equal attention is paid to the educational needs of newly appointed shop stewards and the retraining of more experienced shop stewards.
The courses take place at Efling Community Center on the 4th floor at Guðrúnartún 1, 105 Reykjavík. Refreshments and a hot lunch are provided.
The courses are free of charge for Efling trustees. Translation and interpretation are used to make all course material accessible in both Icelandic and English.
All trustees are automatically registered for the courses. Reminders and requests for confirmation of attendance are sent by email to all trustees.
All information about the organization of courses can be obtained by sending an email to felagsmal@efling.is or by calling the office at 510-7500.
Course dates for winter 2025-2026
GENERAL LABOR MARKET
Before the New Year
- September 8, 2025 (Monday)
- October 15, 2025 (Wednesday)
- November 13, 2025 (Thursday)
- December 18, 2025 (Thursday)
After New Year's Eve
- January 13, 2026 (Tuesday)
- March 18, 2026 (Wednesday)
- April 21, 2026 (Tuesday)
- May 28, 2026 (Thursday)
PUBLIC LABOR MARKET
Before the New Year
- September 8, 2025 (Monday)
- October 14, 2025 (Tuesday)
- November 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
- December 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
After New Year's Eve
- January 12, 2026 (Monday)
- March 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
- April 20, 2026 (Monday)
- May 28, 2026 (Thursday)
Right to attend courses without salary reduction
Shop stewards' salaries should not be reduced due to attending shop steward courses, and all Efling shop stewards have the right to attend shop steward courses during working hours. Shop stewards are also not required to work the evening shift on the day they have attended a shop steward course.
The Efling office assists shop stewards in communicating with employers if they need to be reminded of these rights. If shop stewards wish for such a message to be sent on their behalf, they should contact felagsmal@efling.is.
Study material
Course materials and slides are stored on a password-protected landing page here . Contact the Social Affairs Office to obtain the password if you have lost it.
