In March 2025, the Danish government unveiled the final framework for its new Junior master apprenticeship (Juniormesterlære) scheme, that aims to make the final years of compulsory education more practical and better aligned with vocational pathways. The initiative is part of Denmark’s broader strategy to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) by creating clearer and earlier links between compulsory school and vocational options.
Under Executive Order No 322-20/03/2025 selected students in grades 8, 9 and 10 (ages approximately 14–17) can complete a significant part of their final schooling in close cooperation with a company. The Junior master apprenticeship scheme offers a hands-on, work-based learning route that blends school education with practical experience in a real-life company setting. The scheme will be implemented from the 2025/26 school year.
Strengthening vocational interest
The initiative responds to concerns that too many young people are leaving lower secondary school without a clear direction, or unmotivated to pursue vocational education. Danish VET programmes – although well-developed and strongly linked to the labour market – have struggled with image issues and declining enrolment rates in recent years. A key policy priority is to attract more students into VET directly from compulsory education, aiming to reduce the tendency of learners to pass first through general upper secondary pathways or disengage from education altogether. Approximately EUR 10 million (DKK 80 million) was allocated in 2025 and approximately EUR 25 million (DKK 190 million) is planned permanently on a yearly basis from 2026 for the Junior apprenticeship scheme.
A flexible pathway into VET
The Junior master apprenticeship is not a full vocational qualification, but a preparatory step. After completing lower secondary school via this pathway, students will still need to apply and for admission to a regular upper secondary VET programme if they wish to pursue the vocational route. However, their experience with the scheme is expected to give them a head start both in terms of practical skills and in forming networks with employers.
European relevance
The Danish Junior master apprenticeship scheme aims to serve as an inspiring example for other European countries facing similar challenges with the transition from lower secondary education into VET. Many systems struggle to motivate young learners to consider vocational pathways early, often failing to provide them with realistic insights into vocational careers.
Denmark’s approach blends school-based learning with meaningful workplace experience from an earlier stage. This aims to make vocational education more attractive, boost students’ confidence, and better align their interests with future education and career choices.
Read more
- Junior master apprenticeship: the framework for a more practical end to lower secondary school is now in place-press release
- Executive Order No 322 - 20/03/2025 on junior apprenticeship
- Guide on junior apprenticeship- Danish only
| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Denmark & Cedefop (2025, July 9). Italy: additional funding boosts upskilling and reskilling. National news on VET. |