Changing young people’s lives through the Ikano Academy
“Give us a job.” That was the response Anders “Walle” Wahlqvist received when he asked a group of young people in Hagsätra, south of Stockholm, why they were causing trouble in the local centre. Anders is the founder of the Ikano Academy, a programme that has given 130 young people a pathway into work or further studies. What began as a small local initiative has become an integrated part of Ikano Bostad’s way of working.
How it all started
Anders began working as a property manager at Ikano Bostad in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2008. The Hagsätra area, south of Stockholm, where he worked – and still works – experienced high unemployment, social unrest, and criminal activity among young people.
In 2014, Anders frankly asked the youths hanging around the town centre why they were causing trouble. Almost everyone replied that they wanted a job.
“So why don’t you go looking for one?” he asked.
“Easy for you to say. You have a Swedish name and a network of contacts – most of the people we know are unemployed. Give us a job,” they said.
And so, Anders thought about it and came up with the idea for the Ikano Academy and hired the first four young adults to take care of basic property management tasks at Ikano Bostad.
Ikano Academy – a pathway into working life
Over the years, the Ikano Academy has developed into a programme for young adults aged 18–25 who are outside work and education. Through a temporary employment opportunity, participants gain hands-on experience in property management tasks while receiving mentorship. They are encouraged to climb a clear development ladder, with each step rewarded through pay increases and new responsibilities. This gives them the chance to grow, build confidence, and take responsibility for their future.
Once participants complete the development ladder, at their own pace, Ikano Bostad supports them in finding employment with other companies through its professional network. Many have gone on to careers as carpenters, service technicians, and property caretakers.
A win-win-win concept
It quickly became clear that the benefits of the Ikano Academy were many. While supporting young individuals in gaining employment and income, the programme also contributed to increased tenant satisfaction, safer neighbourhoods, and, in the long term, increased value in Ikano Bostad’s properties.
Today, the programme is fully integrated into Ikano Bostad’s property management model. It is entirely self-financed and cost-neutral, funded through the company’s operational budget.
A growing success
Since its launch, the programme has expanded to the cities of Västerås and Malmö. More than 130 participants have completed the programme to date, of which about 90 percent have moved on to work or studies.
Today, Anders works full-time as a social responsibility project manager, running the Ikano Academy and a range of other initiatives aimed at giving children and young people in the area a meaningful and engaging spare-time. He is a local legend – well known by all – and is frequently approached by young people looking for a job opportunity. As a co-worker, he’s a true inspiration who continues to make a difference.