Politics and Analysis
New Investments in Vocational Education and Training Welcomed
7. June 2024
Article
The Danish government has announced proposals for the next round of investment in vocational education and training (VET). The Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) welcomes the move, as schools, colleges and training centres need greater funding to improve the quality of their programmes.
The government’s initiative 'Prepared for the Future IV', proposes allocating DKK 500 million for the green upskilling of trainers and investments in equipment at vocational education and training schools.
- It is a positive move that more money will be spent on vocational education and training. More skilled labour is crucial to the green transition," says Jacob Holbraad, DA’s Director General.
He continues:
- We also welcome permanent funding for the knowledge centres and are pleased the designated climate VET schools will be embedded in existing institutions rather than new ones. The key from now on will be to spread knowledge and competencies throughout the sector and follow up on the investments to make sure they actually enhance the quality of the training programmes. DA has previously suggested underpinning these investments with an ongoing commitment by the boards of the VET schools to follow up on them at the national and local levels.
On top of a green focus, the proposal includes initiatives to generate greater visibility through role models on vocational programmes and more opportunities to study abroad. These are positive initiatives and will open more people's eyes to vocational education and training and make the programmes more attractive," the Director General adds.
The majority of investments agreed under the Finance Act 2024 are expected to be made at a later date. DA looks forward to this because, despite the positive steps in the government's proposal, the vocational education and training sector still needs a significant boost.
- Defining green programmes and competencies is a difficult exercise, and all VET programmes need investment to enhance quality. So, we welcome this first step and look forward to further investments in the autumn," Holbraad concludes.