Should young people receive more money for choosing vocational training?

A Danish business organisation has proposed increasing tax deductions for young people who choose vocational education, arguing that financial incentives could help address labour shortages in skilled trades.

The call comes as around 50,000 spectators attend this year’s DM i Skills in Hjørring, Denmark’s national championship for vocational students, where 300 young competitors showcase skills ranging from carpentry and cooking to aluminium construction and reception work, DR reports.

SMV Danmark, representing 18,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, suggests raising the monthly tax deduction for 18- to 21-year-olds in vocational training with an apprenticeship contract by 3,000 kroner (approx. €400).

“We’ve tried campaigns and guidance for years, but we believe young people respond to concrete incentives like financial benefits,” said Kasper Munk Rasmussen, the organisation’s head of education and industry policy.

However, Mathias Horne Ovesen, an apprentice electrician competing at the event, warned that financial incentives alone could attract unqualified candidates. “If money is the only factor, we won’t get the skilled people who could compete at DM i Skills. It’ll just be a mess,” he said.

The three-day championship, held annually since 2011, also features demonstrations in 30 additional trades, including sail-making and nutrition assistance. The next event is scheduled for 2026.