The trend has been the same for many years. Fewer and fewer choose vocational training. In 2022, the number admitted to vocational education was the lowest for more than ten years. This is shown by figures from Statistics Denmark.
Worrying picture
In 2022, only 64,000 started vocational training. This is a decrease of 13 per cent compared to 2021 when 73,000 started vocational training. In 2012, 94,000 students were admitted to vocational training. Combined with a dropout of an astronomical 40 per cent on vocational training, a gloomy picture emerges for the industries that need skilled labour.
Need for action
Claus Rosenkrands Olsen, head of education at Dansk Erhverv, believes that this shows the need for action and initiatives in the area.
– We must also say that we are pleased that the government has a great focus on it. We are of course happy to contribute to finding the right solutions for this, says Claus Rosenkrands Olsen.
Recruitment must be strengthened
He points out that several vocational schools are challenged financially due to low student and applicant numbers. One of the focus areas is therefore that recruitment from primary schools must be strengthened.
– There are over 100 vocational training courses, and it can be difficult to get an overview. But if you meet some of the subjects found in vocational education through more practical teaching in primary school, then that is definitely part of the solution to this, says the head of education at Dansk Erhverv.
From high school to vocational education
According to Claus Rosenkrands Olsen, there are also a number of young people who do not complete high school or choose to continue their studies after high school, as they need to improve in order to lead towards vocational training. Of the students who end up with a student cap, approximately one in five subsequently chooses to start a vocational education.
/Ritzau/Bernt Hertz Jensen
