Top 5 Corporate Training Companies in Iceland

Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes and innovative spirit, is also home to a thriving corporate training industry. As businesses strive to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market, the demand for professional development and skill enhancement has never been higher. 

With increasing challenges such as digital transformation, the need for sustainable practices, and a shift towards flexible work models, Icelandic companies face a growing demand for specialized skills. Areas like data analytics, green technology, agile project management, cross-cultural communication, and leadership development are now essential for Iceland’s workforce to stay competitive.

The Economy of Iceland and The Need for Skilled Workforce

According to the insights of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce, Iceland’s economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth in recent years. After a significant dip during the pandemic, the economy rebounded strongly, with an 8.9% growth rate in 2022, the highest since 1971. In 2023, the growth rate was 4.1%, driven by public consumption and exports. 

However, the Central Bank of Iceland predicts a slowdown, with a projected growth rate of 1.9% for 2024. Inflation has been a challenge, peaking at 10.2% in early 2023, but has since decreased to around 6%. The housing market is also showing signs of recovery, with increased turnover and purchase contracts in the latter half of 2023.

According to the OECD Skills For Jobs, Iceland’s workforce is currently facing significant skill shortages in several key areas, including verbal, reasoning, and quantitative abilities, which are more pronounced than the average across OECD countries. Additionally, there are notable deficits in systems evaluation, systems analysis, and judgment and decision-making skills.

These gaps highlight the critical need for corporate training to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and global competition.

Top Training Companies in Iceland

With the Icelandic economy thriving in sectors such as tourism, geothermal energy, fisheries, and IT, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals. However, many workers lack essential skills in areas like advanced technology, management, and soft skills. Corporate training companies are stepping in to provide tailored training solutions, focusing on upskilling employees to meet industry demands. Driven by Iceland’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, the need for corporate training has become imperative. This ensures the workforce can adapt and excel in a competitive global market.

In this blog, we will explore the key offerings and highlights of top corporate training companies in Iceland and examine the critical role they play in shaping the future of the Icelandic workforce.

1. Edstellar

Edstellar is a leading corporate training company in Iceland that offers a seamless and effective training experience through a concentrated training management platform. With a global network of over 5,000 certified trainers, Edstellar provides flexible Instructor-led training solutions, both virtual, onsite, and offsite, tailored to meet specific industry demands.

The company uses advanced tools like skill gap analysis and competency mapping to identify and address organizational training needs. By offering 2000+ customized programs and leveraging top industry expertise, Edstellar helps businesses in Iceland to overcome skill shortages and enhance employee performance, driving long-term success.

Key Offerings:

• Corporate Training: Onsite ILT, VILT, and Offsite ILT training.

• Coaching Solutions: Offering personalized coaching programs to enhance professional and team performance.

• Skills Management Platform: Edstellar offers a SaaS solution that empowers organizations to manage and develop employee skills by identifying skill gaps through a skills matrix and offering training suggestions.

Highlights:

• Courses Offered: Offers over 2000 instructor-led courses across various domains, including Project Management, Operations, Quality, Finance, Sales, Cloud Computing, AI, Big Data, IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Development, DevOps, Leadership, Soft Skills, Sustainability, Health, HR, Marketing, Product Management, Risk Management, Strategic Leadership, and Diversity.

• 5000+ Qualified Trainers: A large pool of certified trainers ensures diverse expertise and high-quality training delivery.

• 50+ Coaching Programs: A wide range of coaching programs designed to meet various professional development needs.

• Customizable Training Management Platform: A flexible platform that allows organizations to tailor training programs to their specific needs.

• High learner participation and retention rates: Effective training methods that engage learners and ensure knowledge retention.

Training Delivery

All Over Iceland

2. PROMENNT

Promennt is a top-tier educational and training firm based in Iceland, passionately committed to delivering exceptional learning experiences for professionals and organizations. Their extensive range of services includes vocational training, professional development courses, and certification programs. Through close collaboration with industry experts and seasoned instructors, the center offers top-notch training tailored to the unique requirements of its clients.

Whether it's classroom-based, online, or a blend of both, Promennt consistently provides adaptable and convenient training solutions for professionals and organizations in Iceland.

Key Offerings:

• Certification Programs: Accredited courses that provide recognized qualifications in areas such as project management, IT, and more.

• Customized Training Solutions: Tailored training programs to meet the specific needs of businesses and organizations.

Highlights:

• Courses Offered: Promennt is an accredited education provider by the Norwegian Education Agency and meets the standards of Act no. 27/2010 on secondary education. Their offerings include vocational training, professional development courses, and certification programs.

• Recognition for Excellence: Received special recognition from Microsoft in Iceland in 2019 for its impactful project with the Council of Ministers, earning a nomination in the Empowering Employees category and the Jury’s incentive award for its role in implementing Office 365 through tailored education.

Training Delivery

Promennt ehf. Tear 11b, 2nd floor, 108 Reykjavik

3. Education center of Vestfjörður (Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða)

‍Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða is a prominent educational institution located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Established with the mission to promote lifelong learning and personal development, the center caters to a diverse audience, including professionals aiming to enhance their skills, as well as businesses looking for tailored training solutions. The center operates from multiple locations, including Ísafjörður, Hólmavík, and Patreksfjörður, ensuring that their services are accessible to a wide range of professionals.

Key Offerings:

• Customized Corporate Training: Collaborating with local businesses, Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða offers tailored training solutions to meet specific organizational needs, enhancing workforce competencies.

• Support for Immigrants: Emphasizing integration, the center offers Icelandic language courses for immigrants, aiding their assimilation into Icelandic society and improving personal and professional opportunities.

Highlights:

• Community Engagement: The center actively collaborates with local businesses and organizations to develop training programs that meet the specific needs of the community, cultivating a strong connection between education and local development.

• Support for Immigrants: Special emphasis is placed on providing Icelandic language courses for immigrants, helping them integrate into Icelandic society and enhancing their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Memberships and Affiliations: Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða is a member of Kvasir, an association of educational and lifelong learning centers, and Leikn, an association of adult education providers in Iceland, reflecting its commitment to high standards in adult education.

• Quality Standards: The Vestfjörður Training Center holds a service contract with the Employment Training Center, which requires adherence to the quality system and assessments developed by FA, ensuring that programs meet rigorous quality standards.

Training Delivery

South Street 12, 400 Ice fjord

4. Framvegis

Framvegis is a leading learning and development provider in Iceland, specializing in continuing education and professional development. They offer innovative solutions and services in healthcare, language studies, and professional training. Framvegis leverages advanced educational methodologies and data-driven strategies to ensure teams receive high-quality, tailored training services.

Key Offerings:

• Icelandic Language Courses: Tailored programs for individuals of foreign origin, emphasizing interactive teaching methods and communication skills.

• Corporate Training Services: Customized training solutions for companies and institutions, including the "Fræðslustjóri að láni" initiative, which provides human resource consultants to assess and enhance existing training frameworks.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Assessment services that validate professionals' existing competencies, facilitating their educational and professional advancement.

Highlights:

• Courses Offered: Provides corporate-specific training services, including customized training programs, Icelandic language instruction for diverse workforces, and the "Training Manager on Loan" service, which provides HR consultants to coordinate and enhance organizational training efforts.

• Quality Certification: Forvégis holds the European Quality Mark (EQM+) certification and is recognized as a Model Company in operation for 2023, placing it among the top 2.8% of Icelandic companies that meet the stringent performance, equity ratio, income, and asset conditions set by the Business Journal and Kelduna.

• Community Engagement: Framvegis actively collaborates with local businesses and organizations to develop training programs that address community-specific needs, strengthening the link between education and regional development.

Training Delivery

Borgartún 20, 105 Reykjavik Kt. 420306-0320

5. Geko

Geko is a Reykjavík-based specialist recruitmnt agency focusing on the tech and innovation sectors. The agency aims to support companies with their talent and people strategies. Geko's services are centered around three primary areas: Grow, Learn, and Support. 

The 'Grow' services assist companies in assembling the right teams, emphasizing nurturing lasting connections and coaching individuals to be open to new opportunities. 'Learn' services focus on fostering stronger, more collaborative teams with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, offering workshops in English, Icelandic, and Polish. Through 'Support' services, Geko provides bespoke HR solutions, particularly for companies in their formative stages, leveraging over two decades of global HR experience to help companies lay down strong foundations that attract and retain top talent.

Key Offerings:

• Recruitment Services: Assisting companies in building effective teams by connecting them with suitable talent.

• Corporate Training: Providing workshops and coaching sessions focused on diversity, inclusion, team collaboration, and leadership development.

• HR Support: Offering tailored human resources solutions, particularly for companies in their formative stages, to establish strong foundations for attracting and retaining top talent.

Highlights:

• Partnership with AssessFirst: Became the first experts in Iceland to utilize people analytics for sourcing talent through a collaboration with AssessFirst.

• Recognition by Reykjavík Science City: Featured in a campaign promoting Iceland as a hub for businesses and talent in the innovation sector.

• Support for Female Business Leaders: Actively involved in initiatives supporting female business leaders of foreign origin in Iceland.

Training Delivery

Austurstræti 12a, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

Conclusion

Corporate training in Iceland is essential for bridging the skills gap and enhancing workforce productivity. By offering a wide array of courses and customized training programs, these initiatives are equipping employees with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the global market. As Iceland’s economy continues to grow, investing in corporate training will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and fostering innovation.

Embracing these training opportunities can lead to a more skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce, ultimately contributing to the overall success and prosperity of businesses in Iceland. When it comes to corporate training providers, Edstellar stands out as a true industry leader. With an extensive catalog featuring over 2000 instructor-led courses, Edstellar offers comprehensive training solutions across a wide array of disciplines.

Their network of more than 5000 certified trainers and state-of-the-art tools, including the powerful Skill Matrix, empowers organizations to seamlessly identify and bridge skill gaps. Furthermore, Edstellar's coaching services for senior executives are designed to equip leadership teams with the tools they need to effectively tackle intricate business challenges, making it the preferred choice for numerous organizations in Iceland.