The Axel Johnson 150 Fund — seal

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Learning & development

A fund for lifelong learning

We launched the 150 Fund in 2023 to mark Axel Johnson's 150th anniversary — and to spark curiosity, encourage learning, and help prepare all of us, together, for the next 150 years.

Any employee who's worked within the Group for at least six months can apply for a scholarship of between SEK 1,000 and SEK 150,000, to put towards a course or programme — whether that's upskilling in your current role or reskilling for a completely different one. What matters most isn't the subject itself, but the impact: real skills development that helps you grow, and helps the Group keep renewing itself and shaping its future business.

Recipients

Meet our recipients

Since 2023, colleagues from right across the Group have used the 150 Fund to learn something new — from short courses to longer programmes. Here are some of their stories.

    Step by step

    How to apply

    Applications open 7 September

    From idea to completed course — seven steps along the way.

    1. 1

      Talk to your manager

      Start by telling your immediate manager that you'd like to apply, and check that they support your application. If you need help, contact your immediate manager or HR at your company.

    2. 2

      Apply

      Fill in the application form. Submit it and keep your fingers crossed!

    3. 3

      Evaluation

      Your application is evaluated by Axel Johnson's decision committee against our evaluation criteria.

    4. 4

      Decision

      You can expect a decision around six weeks after the application period closes. The decision assumes you have been, or will be, accepted onto the course you applied for.

    5. 5

      Scholarship payment

      The company you're employed by invoices Axel Johnson for the approved cost of the course.

    6. 6

      Start the course

      You can start the course as soon as your scholarship has been approved.

    7. 7

      Follow-up

      Once the course is complete, you'll need to submit a short report along with proof (a certificate, diploma or similar) confirming that you finished it.

    Evaluation criteria

    What we look for

    We look at every application through four lenses.

    01

    Business value

    Does it clearly connect to the business? We look at how the course could strengthen the Group's skills and help drive its renewal.

    02

    Impact

    Real, meaningful change — for you, your team, or the wider business. That's what we're looking for.

    03

    Clarity

    How well you make your case. We pay close attention to how clearly the course is explained and justified in the final part of your application.

    04

    Diversity

    A final check to make sure our recipients reflect the full breadth of the Group — across company, role, skills, experience, gender and age.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    When does the application period open?

    The application period is open from 7 September to 18 October.

    Who can apply for a scholarship?

    Any employee who has worked at an Axel Johnson company for at least six months can apply. This applies to permanent employees, both full- and part-time, in Sweden and abroad.

    Can I apply more than once?

    Yes, you can apply more than once. The decision committee checks whether you've previously applied and received a scholarship. The chance of receiving a scholarship twice is lower, but your application is still evaluated and assessed on its own merits.

    What types of courses can I apply for?

    You can apply for any type of course — short courses, workshops, training or longer programmes. They can be linked to your current role or be something completely new. What matters is that the course has business value and isn't already offered as part of your role or by your company. Language courses aren't approved.

    Can I apply for courses abroad?

    Yes, you can apply for a scholarship for courses both in Sweden and abroad.

    Can I get support for travel and accommodation?

    Yes, it's possible to apply for additional support for travel and accommodation. However, the total scholarship awarded may not exceed the maximum amount of SEK 150,000.

    Can I apply to take leave and study?

    Yes, you can apply for a scholarship equivalent to your salary during the study period. If the course is eligible for CSN funding, this is factored into the overall assessment.

    Can the scholarship cover both salary and the course itself?

    Yes, a scholarship can cover both your salary (during leave) and the course itself. However, the maximum amount of SEK 150,000 per application still applies.

    Can I apply for a scholarship for a course I've already started?

    No. The purpose of the 150 Fund is to support learning opportunities that employees might not otherwise be able to pursue. The Fund is available to employees who are currently in active employment, and funding is not granted for courses or programmes that have already started.

    Should I apply for the course or the scholarship first?

    If enrolment isn't binding, we recommend applying for the course at the same time as your scholarship application — that way you can get started more quickly if your scholarship is approved. Keep in mind that a scholarship isn't guaranteed, and you're responsible for any commitments linked to the course itself.

    How many people receive a scholarship each year?

    There's no fixed number — it depends on the number of applications and their quality.

    Does everyone who applies receive the same amount?

    No, the amount varies depending on the course and its cost. Each person can apply for a scholarship of between SEK 1,000 and SEK 150,000.

    How is the scholarship paid out?

    The scholarship is paid to the company where the employee (the applicant) is employed.

    Is there a deadline for when I have to start my course?

    We'd like you to start as soon as possible. If you need to wait, discuss this with your immediate manager and agree on a date for when the course will begin.

    Are there any requirements or expectations if I receive the scholarship?

    Once you've completed your course, you'll need to submit proof confirming that you finished it. This could be a certificate, diploma or similar. Beyond that, there are no follow-up requirements.

    Axel Johnson is a leading Swedish family business that builds and develops long-term, strong businesses within meaningful industries. Through our companies, we meet more than 1.5 million customers every day, and we want to be a positive force for change in the communities we are part of.

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