The Danish Government has unveiled a significant initiative titled “Prepared for the Future VII” (Forberedt på fremtiden VII) aimed at drastically reducing dropout rates in vocational education programs. The proposal is part of broader efforts to strengthen Denmark’s vocational training sector, addressing the alarming statistic that four out of ten vocational students abandon their studies.
High dropout rates prompt government action
According to the Danish Ministry of Children and Education, approximately 40% of students enrolled in vocational education programs in Denmark currently drop out. The dropout rate varies widely among the over 100 vocational training programs available nationwide, ranging from 20% to as high as 70% in certain fields.
In response, the Government has proposed allocating significant resources directly to vocational institutions, providing them with greater autonomy in determining how funds are utilized to effectively address local needs and challenges.
A substantial financial investment
Starting in 2025, the government plans to allocate approximately 260 million Danish kroner (approx. €35 million) annually to vocational institutions. This funding is set to progressively increase, reaching 660 million kroner (approx. €88.5 million) annually by 2030. The cumulative investment by 2030 aims to provide vocational schools with greater flexibility and resources to implement localized solutions tailored to their specific challenges.
Minister for Children and Education Mattias Tesfaye (S) emphasized the significant increase in spending per student, noting that “together with other reforms, we will spend approximately 50% more on training a skilled worker in Denmark.” Tesfaye highlighted that this measure would notably enhance schools’ financial capabilities and empower local decision-making.
Flexible investment in teaching quality
Half of the proposed funds will be distributed directly to vocational schools without specific restrictions, granting them autonomy to manage and invest these resources effectively. To further enhance flexibility, the Government also plans to abolish the four national educational goals established by the 2014 reform and eliminate several procedural requirements, thereby simplifying administrative processes and allowing schools to focus more on education quality.
A significant aspect of the initiative addresses the current shortfall in adequately trained vocational instructors. Data indicates that only one-third of vocational teachers have completed the mandatory diploma for vocational education teachers (DEP). As part of the initiative, the government will invest substantially in enhancing the professional and pedagogical skills of vocational teachers.
Positive reactions from students and educators
Students and educational leaders have positively received the government’s announcement. At Rybners Technical Gymnasium in Esbjerg, students expressed enthusiasm for the increased resources. Mads Johansen, a student in shipbuilding, underscored the necessity of adequate funding for tools and equipment that match industry standards, emphasizing that increased investments directly impact the quality of vocational training.
Likewise, Director of Vocational Education at Rybners, Esbjerg, highlighted the potential of fewer bureaucratic hurdles and increased funding to reduce dropout rates significantly.
Supporting specialized education
An additional component of the government’s plan includes targeted initiatives to accommodate students with special needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Inspired by the successful model used in upper secondary schools, vocational education institutions will pilot extended-duration courses tailored to ASD students, with three schools initially designated for this specialized testing.
Overall, the Danish Government’s “Prepared for the Future VII” initiative represents a substantial step forward in strengthening vocational education, aligning educational structures more closely with labor market demands, and ensuring Denmark continues to develop skilled professionals to meet future challenges.
