Ambition
The ambition of the majority of the Danish Parliament is that at least 90% of 25 year olds should complete a general or vocational upper secondary education – which we refer to as youth education in Denmark - and the percentage of youths who are not in association to either education or labour market should be reduced by half by 2030.
To reach this ambition there has been a political agreement in the Danish parliament to implement a new reform regarding preparatory basic education and training. The first students are expected to start in August 2019.
The duration of the education is up to two years and will enable youths below 25 to improve professionally, personally and socially with the aim to proceed into the labour market or upper secondary and vocational education and training.
Initiatives
There should be a clear link to the labour market in the preparatory basic education and training to prepare the students to continue in vocational education and training.
Outreach services as well as follow up work will be a main focus in the preparatory basic education and training. Therefore the student will receive a great amount of guidance - also when in labour.
Guidance for young people must be strengthened and professionalised. It is the Government's aim that guidance at all levels in the education system is to provide young people with an informed basis for choosing an education programme that corresponds to their own desires and abilities and to society's need for qualified labour. The guidance is also to contribute to strengthened bridging between the levels.
Structure
The preparatory basic education and training consists of three entries:
General basic education: education in basic subjects like Danish language, mathematics, English, nature and science etc. Addresses to young people who want to qualify for further vocational education.
Basic production education: Workshop based education with high level of practical learning. Addresses to young people who want to proceed to vocational education and training or labour market on a more qualified base.
Basic vocational education: Internship based education.
Financing
The preparatory basic education and training (FGU) is free of charge for the students. Courses can be attended at self-governing institutions with financial contribution from the municipalities.