The Danish educational system has deep historical roots. Compulsory education has been statutory since 1814. The Danish educational system developed during the 19th century in close connection with a general national and religious revival. Enlightenment and an understanding of society became important goals together with literacy and the spread of useful knowledge. Vocational education was also affected by this movement. In the Middle Ages, learning the different trades was based on an apprenticeship scheme organized by the different guilds. In the 19th century, a college-based supplement to the apprenticeship system was added, and the whole arrangement became embedded in a legislative framework. The educational system of today still emphasizes vision, the acquisition of general knowledge and social awareness. This also applies to the education and training programmes being offered by the vocational colleges.


Focus on Vocational Skills and Personal Qualities
These programmes prepare students for a labour market in which flexibility and the ability to adjust are as necessary qualifications as is competence in specific vocational skills. In addition to being taught concrete vocational skills within various trades, the students also learn to find new information independently, to process and use information, and to translate their knowledge into daily practice in the workplace and in society. They are prepared to be able to take part in the transition from an industrial society to a service and information society. They learn to participate as responsible citizens in a democratic society.

A Demanding Task
Vocational education and training activities are designed to provide companies with qualified employees who can make use of their own resources in an open society and at the same time adjust to a constantly changing labour market. A prerequisite for competitive trade and industry is a competitive educational system. Offers of useful qualifications and constant options together with opportunities for development make the educational programmes attractive, and ensure companies the possibility of recruiting competent young people.
Education for an open and dynamic society demands an educational system which is itself open to the surrounding world and able to adjust its structure and contents according to demands. But at the same time it is important to secure continuity and uniform quality in the educational programmes. That is why the Danish vocational educational system is also subject to central supervision and guidance, a fact which ensures that the needs of the labour market are complied with, without disregarding strategic educational considerations.