If you cannot find a job on your own, NAV can help you with schemes such as wage subsidies, work training, and courses. These schemes are designed to give you experience, a professional network, and a foothold in the working life, and they are free for you. This guide explains the main schemes and how to access them as of 2026.

Many newcomers have skills but lack Norwegian work experience and professional networks. In these cases, a NAV scheme can be the bridge to permanent employment. NAV is the Labour and Welfare Administration, which helps people find work among other things. At SamfunnPrep, we want you to know what opportunities are available to you.

What is an employment scheme?

An employment scheme is help from NAV to find a job. It can be work experience with an employer, a course, or money to the employer who hires you. The goal is always the same: to make you able to get and keep a regular job.

You must be registered as a job seeker with NAV to access these schemes. If you have not done so yet, see the guide on registering as a job seeker and submitting the status form. A NAV advisor will assess together with you what you need, and you will create an activity plan.

The main schemes in 2026

Here are the schemes that most often help people find work:

  • Work training – you work for a period with an employer to gain experience and references. The scheme can last up to one year, and longer for people with reduced working capacity.
  • Temporary wage subsidy – NAV pays part of your salary for the first period, making it easier for an employer to hire you permanently. The subsidy covers up to 40 per cent of the salary in the first six months, then 30 per cent, for a maximum of one year (two years for people with reduced working capacity).
  • Training and courses (AMO) – short, vocational courses that give you the skills a sector is looking for.
  • Mentor subsidy – a colleague is given time off to guide you on the job.
  • Work preparation training (AFT) – closer follow-up for you if you need more help before you are ready for working life.

There is also an inclusion subsidy that covers the employer's extra costs for accommodations, up to 160 400 kroner.

Do I get paid while on a scheme?

The short answer: yes, you get money to live on. If you are in work training or on a course, you usually receive scheme allowance from NAV, or another benefit you already receive. If you are hired with a wage subsidy, you receive regular salary from the employer – the subsidy goes to the employer, not to you.

The scheme itself costs you nothing. You retain your rights as a participant, and work training gives you experience you can put on your CV and in your job application.

How to access a scheme, step by step

  1. Register as a job seeker with NAV at nav.no.
  2. Ask for a meeting with your NAV advisor. Tell them what you can do and what is preventing you from finding a job.
  3. Create an activity plan together. You will agree which schemes are suitable for you.
  4. Participate actively. Show up, show interest, and build your network – many find permanent employment at the place where they did their work training.

If you are new to Norway and are participating in the introduction programme, NAV schemes can be part of your programme. If you need a larger, comprehensive package with fixed support, the qualification programme (KVP) may be relevant. At SamfunnPrep, we gather such guides in our tools.

Schemes suitable for newcomers to Norway

Some offers are especially relevant for you if you are new to the country:

  • Work-related Norwegian language training combines Norwegian courses with work experience, so you learn the language you need directly in the workplace.
  • Individual job support (IPS) provides close follow-up for you if you also face health challenges, and this initiative has been strengthened in 2026.
  • Job Chance helps particularly immigrant women who are far from the labour market, with a dedicated qualification programme.

Talk to your advisor about what is available where you live. The offer varies somewhat between municipalities, but NAV should help you find something that suits your situation. The most important advice is to be open about what you can do and what you need – the better your advisor knows you, the better targeted the scheme will be. Remember also that a scheme is not a job in itself, but a stepping stone: use the time to show what you can do and build relationships.

Summary

NAV schemes such as work training, wage subsidies, and courses are free help to find a job. You must be registered as a job seeker, and an advisor will create a plan with you. You receive scheme allowance or regular salary while you participate, and the experience can lead to permanent employment.

Work and welfare are also part of the curriculum for the civics test – practise for free on SamfunnPrep.