Danish vocational education is struggling with low enrollment and high dropout rates. Projections from the Ministry of Finance show that by 2030, there will be approximately 70,000 fewer skilled workers than in 2022. Therefore, the government is now ready to inject much-needed resources into the struggling vocational education sector.
Allocating half a billion
The government will allocate a total of half a billion kroner for green retraining, upskilling, and equipment. About 300 million kroner will be allocated over four years to vocational schools, allowing them to invest in modern and green equipment and ensure the right teaching competencies. Most of the funds will be earmarked for investment in equipment for education within the main areas of “Food, Agriculture and Experiences” and “Technology, Construction, and Transport,” which are crucial for the ambitions of a green transition of our society. This was stated in a press release from the Ministry of Children and Education.
Additionally, the government plans to spend around 100 million kroner in both 2025 and 2026 on green retraining and upskilling in vocational and labor market education.
Climate vocational schools as powerhouses
To ensure that vocational schools are at the forefront of the green transition, the government will designate three climate vocational schools. These will act as driving forces for development across all vocational schools. The three climate vocational schools will be chosen based on a specific challenge, such as the transformation of the energy sector, sustainable construction, climate-friendly agriculture, or green transport.
The business community and foundations are invited to actively participate in the establishment of the climate vocational schools to support high-quality education with the latest knowledge and technologies.
The new initiative for vocational education will also allocate around 23 million kroner for more study trips and foreign exchanges related to vocational education.
Historically high amount
– The government has allocated a historically high amount to raise the quality of vocational education. Both by allocating money to education with a particular need for new equipment, establishing three climate vocational schools, and enhancing students’ academic outlook with foreign exchanges and study trips. In my view, it makes perfect sense to give three schools the opportunity to run ahead a bit and help other schools with the green transition in transport, agriculture, construction, and energy. This is absolutely crucial if we are to achieve our ambitious climate goals, says Minister for Children and Education Mattias Tesfaye.
The government’s initiative receives positive feedback from the business community:
Danish Industry pleased
– We are pleased that there is a focus on green transition in the initiative presented by the government today. It is crucial that we get more skilled workers when, for example, more wind turbines need to be set up and buildings need energy renovations. Therefore, it is urgent to provide funds for, among other things, equipment and teacher qualifications in vocational education, as skilled workers are the cornerstone of many of Denmark’s green ambitions, says Signe Tychsen Philip, Deputy Director for Vocational Education at Danish Industry.
Lack of prioritization
In the employers’ association of the installation industry, Tekniq Arbejdsgiverne, there is also satisfaction with the government’s boost to vocational education. However, Tekniq Arbejdsgiverne believes it lacks focus on the urgent issues:
– We would have liked to see an even greater prioritization of investments in the education where we face the greatest shortage of qualified workers. Analyses point out that it is especially electricians, blacksmiths, and plumbers who need a significant quality boost in vocational schools to match technological development. We therefore hope that this will be addressed in the upcoming negotiations this autumn, says Deputy Director Tina Voldby from Tekniq Arbejdsgiverne.
Close to 3F’s wishes
The government’s initiative for vocational schools is close to the wishes that 3F has in the vocational school area. This is what union secretary at 3F, Søren Heisel, says in a comment on the initiative.
– It is a sensible initiative that focuses on the green transition, new equipment, and retraining of skilled workers. Vocational schools receive an economic boost that is absolutely necessary. I am very pleased with that, says Søren Heisel.
