Danish vocational training scheme for school students falls short of expectations

A government-backed apprenticeship programme allowing Danish eighth- and ninth-graders to split their time between school and vocational training has enrolled only half the expected number of participants, according to new figures obtained by employer organisation DI.

Just 2.6 percent of eligible students—2,551 in total—have joined the so-called juniormesterlære (junior apprenticeship) scheme this academic year, far below the 5 percent target set by the Ministry of Children and Education when the initiative launched nationally a year ago.

“There are more young people who could benefit from this than we’re seeing now,” said Mikkel Haarder, deputy director at DI, while acknowledging the rapid uptake among businesses. “It’s impressive that so many companies opened their doors to this group in such a short time.”

Regional disparities are stark: 17 municipalities, particularly around major cities and in North Zealand, report under 1 percent participation. In contrast, Faxe Municipality—one of the top performers—has seen marked improvements among participating students, according to Christina Sandra Johansen (SF), chair of the local Children and Learning Committee.

“We’re seeing students who previously had high absentee rates or wandered the halls suddenly engaging in classes and showing up more often,” Johansen said. Many secure formal apprenticeships with their host companies, and she expects “significant growth” in enrolment after the summer break.

Allan Kortnum, head of Danske Erhvervsskoler og -Gymnasier – Lederne (Danish Vocational Colleges and Gymnasia – Leaders), described the hands-on approach as transformative for students disillusioned with traditional schooling. “They get to work with their hands, tackle real tasks that people actually need—many thrive on that,” he said.

The scheme, championed by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as “one of the coolest initiatives” of her tenure, faced early criticism from then-Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye (S) last autumn when a third of municipalities reported near-zero participation. Tesfaye, now acting minister, declined interview requests citing ongoing government negotiations.

DI’s data covers all 98 Danish municipalities. The current academic year concludes this month.