Significant shortage of internships for pedagogical assistant students in Denmark

There is a significant shortage of qualified staff in childcare institutions, yet students enrolled in pedagogical assistant programs across the country are facing challenges securing internships. Nationally, 26% of students were unable to find an internship slot for the 2024 academic year, according to a survey of institutions offering this training.

Lisbeth Nørgaard, the chair of the Danish SOSU Schools, acknowledges the difficulty in matching all students who have completed the preliminary training with placements. Without an internship, these students cannot proceed to the final stages of their studies. Nørgaard expressed disappointment that students interested in a field experiencing labor shortages cannot secure the necessary placements.

The issue is pronounced at the Social and Health School in Fredericia-Vejle-Horsens, where only 34 out of 71 students managed to secure an internship for 2024, leaving more than half without placements. According to Jacob Bro, the director of the school, this creates frustration for students in a sector that is reportedly in need of workers, undermining morale and dreams of completion.

Bro warns that if students are unable to finish their education, it could jeopardize the quality of childcare services. He points out that better communication about the program is needed to address the shortage of internships. Nationwide, data showed that 742 students completed Basic Training for pedagogical assistants, yet only 552 secured placements, leaving 190 without.

Theresa Berg Andersen, a spokesperson for children and family for the Socialist People’s Party, criticized the lack of available placements, calling it an absurd situation given the demand for qualified staff in childcare. She emphasizes the need for a strategic focus on addressing this gap, arguing that pedagogical assistants are crucial in supporting under-resourced pedagogical roles.

The Municipalities’ Association has refrained from interviews but commented on the growth of pedagogical assistants in recent years, noting that either too many students are being enrolled or that efforts to persuade municipalities to provide more placements have been insufficient. Nørgaard advocates for improved conditions to incentivize municipalities to employ these students, ensuring that the quality of education translates into expanded hiring.

Finally, the Minister for Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye, has suggested finding solutions to better motivate municipalities to offer placements rather than reducing enrollment numbers.