Danish apprentices unable to carry out workplace training in Sweden

The Danish vocational education and training system combines theoretical education with practical training. Apprentices, lærlinge, receive pay for all or part of their education.

In Sweden, vocational education and training at upper secondary level mainly takes place in a school environment and is generally unpaid, unlike the Danish equivalent. Swedish vocational education can also take the form of an apprenticeship, where students may have the opportunity to be employed as upper secondary apprentices.

The differences between the two education systems mean that Danish students may face difficulties carrying out workplace training with a Swedish employer. One contributing factor is that Swedish employers do not generally pay students during workplace training. Under the Danish system, apprentices can only include workplace training as part of their vocational education if the training is paid.

Students in Swedish vocational education and training are in the opposite position and can carry out workplace training in both Denmark and Sweden. However, the Swedish school is ultimately responsible for finding one or more workplaces where the student can complete their workplace training. In some cases, the school can also arrange workplace training abroad.

The differences between the education systems mean that Danish vocational students may be less attractive to Swedish employers because the employer would have to pay them during their workplace training.