The Danish Government and a broad majority in Parliament have announced a major financial boost for basic VET programmes (FGU), adult and continuing education, and youth education in rural areas. The aim of this initiative is to provide young people and adults – particularly those living in rural areas – with the best possible conditions to progress in education and employment.
Participation in vocational education and training (VET) in peripheral areas of Denmark has been affected negatively by increasing urbanisation. The shrinking population in rural and peripheral areas, makes it very difficult to sustain VET institutions. As a result, these areas experience a shortage of skilled labour force, which can hinder economic growth.
The agreement between the Danish Government and the majority of Parliamentary parties includes a long-term financial boost for basic VET programmes (FGU) and for adult and continuing education from 2023 onwards. Subsidies for youth education (i.e., general or vocational upper secondary education) in rural areas will also be increased.
According to the agreement, EUR 28.9 million (DKK 215 million) will be allocated in 2023, EUR 28.2 million (DKK 210 million) in 2024, and EUR 25.5 million (DKK 190 million) annually from 2025 onwards to basic VET programmes, and to adult and continuing education. Additionally, EUR 6.1 million (DKK 45.5 million) will be set aside to boost subsidies for youth education in rural areas in 2023. Finally, the parties that reached the agreement have also committed to discuss the need for structural and substantive changes to basic VET programmes in 2023.
The agreement is expected to provide much-needed support for education institutions and young people in Denmark, especially those in rural areas.
Minister for Children and Education, Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil, expressed her satisfaction for the agreement: ‘The education we support with this agreement is absolutely crucial for young people and adults who need another way of entering education or finding a job. That is why I am very satisfied with this helping hand, which gives institutions a big financial boost. At the same time, I am very happy that we are on the same page about youth education in rural areas. It is crucial for young people who live in such areas.’
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Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Denmark; Cedefop (2023). Denmark: major financial boost in rural areas. National news on VET |