Danish vocational championships reach record size as respect for trades grows

The Danish national vocational skills championships, DM i Skills, conclude Saturday in Hjørring with a record 48 trades competing—double the number when the event launched in 2011—as public respect for craftsmanship and vocational education continues to rise, reports DR.

Around 300 young carpenters, bakers, chefs, bricklayers, gardeners, and other tradespeople have spent three days demonstrating their skills, with medal winners to be crowned in each category. The event, now in its 13th year, has expanded from 23 trades in 2011 to 48 in 2026, alongside 30 additional demonstration disciplines including sail-making and nutrition assistance.

Søren Heissel, chair of DM i Skills, called the championships “a celebration of the trades,” emphasizing their role in showcasing talent and attracting new students. “We want to show people our crafts and how skilled we really are,” he said. Attendance has surged from a handful of journalists and spectators in early years to an expected 50,000 visitors this weekend in Hjørring.

The event’s growth reflects a broader shift in perception, according to Ole Heinager, CEO of Next Uddannelse København, a vocational college. “People now talk about these trades with respect instead of looking down on them,” he said. Medal-winning students from his school have been honored with receptions at Copenhagen City Hall, mirroring celebrations for elite athletes.

Heinager noted that public exposure—such as banners displaying winning students and visits from school groups—helps elevate the prestige of vocational paths. “Seeing role models at the top of their craft shows what you can achieve with these educations,” he added.

DM i Skills 2026 runs April 22–24 at Park Vendia in Hjørring, with the final awards ceremony scheduled for 14:00 on Saturday.