Programmes in Denmark

The Danish VET system is part of the overall youth education system. It aims to prepare the student for a particular occupation through the acquisition of vocational and general competencies. In addition, VET should lay the foundation for participation in lifelong learning, for active participation in society as a citizen, and for entrepreneurship.

VET, including the apprenticeship, leads to a national, formally recognised qualification and is included in the National and European Qualification Framework at levels 3, 4 and 5. The overall structure of the apprenticeship system is divided into the basic programme and the main programme.

The basic programme

The basic programmes are uniform in structure and duration in four main areas: 1. care, health and pedagogy; 2. office, trade and business service; 3. food agriculture and experience; and 4. technology, construction and transportation. The programmes consist of two components, each lasting twenty weeks. Due to its preparatory character and that it necessitates students receiving support in making a qualified choice of training occupation, the first part (Grundforløb 1, GF1) is only provided for youngsters who access VET directly after compulsory education or at the latest in December the same year. Each main area corresponds to a number of programmes and occupations. The purpose of GF1 in the basic programme is that students should acquire broad vocational and general skills enabling them to combine practice and theory within the broad occupational field. This makes students more qualified to make a choice with regard to their future occupations. The purpose of GF2 in the basic programme is to prepare students for the main programme and give the students the prerequisites for completing the main course. GF2 is finished with an examination.

The objectives of the basic programme (GF1) are the same, regardless of the choice of direction. The basic programme Part 2 (GF2) is tailored to the selected main programme. It provides students with vocational, general and personal skills to ensure that they can complete the main programme. GF2 is compulsory (unless the student is 25 years or older and complies with specific conditions).

The main programme

There are around 100 different main programmes in VET, some of which are offered at different levels corresponding to occupations in the labour market. The duration of the main programmes is typically 3 to 3.5 years, but it can be shorter or longer for certain programmes (from 1.5 years to 5 years). The main programmes vary from EQF level 3–5. In order to complete a main programme, the student must have an apprenticeship contract with an approved apprentice company offering training. In general, up to 75% of the main programme takes place in the company alternating with school periods, which in the main programme typically last from five to ten weeks.

If the student does not manage to find an apprenticeship in a company, a number of VET programmes offer practice placements at the college in the adjacent Centres of Placement. The majority of students, even when they start in a Centre of Placement, will complete their education as an apprentice in a company.