Vocational Education and Training in Denmark: Short Description. CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

Overview & Synopsis

Denmark has a uniform, nationwide vocational education and training (VET) system that provides qualifications that are valid throughout the country and recognized by employers and trade unions. Initial VET (IVET) includes the following components: VET, including commercial and technical training; basic social and health care training; agricultural training; and maritime training. All IVET programs teach the vocational skills necessary for a trade or profession and give access to higher education. Periods of school IVET alternate with periods of in-company training based on apprenticeship contracts. Continuing VET is provided primarily through Denmark's labor market training system (arbejdmarkedsuddannelserne [AMU]), which is designed to give, maintain, and improve participants' vocational skills in accordance with enterprises' needs and background. AMU courses take place exclusively at vocational schools and 24 independent AMU centers. Tertiary VET, consisting of short, vocationally oriented programs, and open education programs are also offered at vocational schools. IVET and tertiary VET are under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, whereas AMU is under authority of Denmark's Ministry of Labour. Active participation by social partners is a central element of Denmark's VET system. A list of acronyms, the addresses of 9 relevant organizations, and a bibliography of 32 online and print resources are appended. (Contains 15 figures.) (MN)