Denmark reforms its apprenticeship training and puts emphasis on entrepreneurship

Citation

(2005), "Denmark reforms its apprenticeship training and puts emphasis on entrepreneurship", Education + Training, Vol. 47 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2005.00447aab.011

Denmark reforms its apprenticeship training and puts emphasis on entrepreneurship

A shortage of training places has caused the Danish Government to cut the amount of so-called “dual” training, where older secondary school pupils spend part of the week in industry or commerce, learning a trade. The number of school-based training places is being cut from 7,000 to 1,200. These will be concentrated in the trades where skill shortages are most acute. Students taking these places will no longer be paid at the same rate as other apprentices, but will receive the same amount as students in the Danish education grant and loan scheme. This will more than halve the amount of money they will receive. The system was formerly financed by the employers, but will now be paid for by the state. In return, employers will take over the cost of adult continuing education in Denmark.

The Danish Government has also introduced a new system of apprenticeship training. Almost all apprenticeship courses will be broken into 18 or 24-month modules. Young people will be able to enter a trade having completed only some of the required modules, and therefore lacking a full qualification. They will be able to return to training to complete their qualification after a period of work experience.

Meanwhile, the Danish Government has introduced measures that aim to improve young people’s understanding of business and make them more innovative and entrepreneurial. Innovation has been introduced as an optional subject in secondary schools, and an annual award introduced for the Entrepreneurial School of the Year. Pupils can also take part in a European business game, organised in collaboration with Danish companies. An academy of entrepreneurship will be introduced, based on co-operation between several higher-education institutions. It will be a key centre for training, research and curriculum development on entrepreneurship.