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From basic course to journeyman — the path through clothing craft
Clothing craftsperson is built as a classical vocational education with alternation between school and apprenticeship in a company. You start at school, go out for practical training, return to school several times and end with a journeyman exam. This means you learn the profession both in a classroom with sewing machines and sewing patterns — and in a real production or workshop where goods are delivered to customers.
§Basic course 1 and 2
If you come directly from primary school, you typically start on basic course 1. It is the broad, investigative course where you clarify your choice and acquire the most basic craft skills. Basic course 2 is more targeted at the subject itself: here you work focused on sewing technique, materials and construction so you are ready to enter a company.
Each basic course is scheduled for approximately half a year. If you are older or come with relevant experience, you can skip basic course 1 and go directly into basic course 2.
§The main course and the two levels
After the basic course the main course begins, which alternates between practical periods and school stays. The education is tiered. The first tier makes you a textile and clothing assistant, where you master repair, measuring, customer service, and sewing. If you want to go further, you build on top with tier two and become a clothing craftsperson — the full skilled title, where you go deeper into model development, advanced pattern construction, and collections.
Step by step
| Phase. | What's happening | Approximate duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic course 1 | Broad clarification and basic craftsmanship (typically directly from compulsory school) | Ca. ½ år |
| Basic course 2 | Focus on the trade: sewing technique materials construction | Ca. ½ år |
| Main course, level 1 | Apprenticeship + school — textile and clothing assistant | Ca. 2 år |
| Main course, level 2 | Specialization — garment craftworker | Approx. 1 year extra |
§Admission and access requirements
To enter basic course 2 you normally must have passed primary school's leaving exam with at least grade 2.0 in both Danish and mathematics — or have something equivalent that can be equated with it. You apply via optagelse.dk and must among other things upload your exam certificates.
An important thing to know: the education is dimensioned. This means there are a limited number of places per school for those who do not yet have an apprenticeship agreement. If you already have an agreement with a company you stand the strongest.
§Total duration
The total qualification typically lasts from around 2½ years and up to just under 4 years, depending on which level you aim for and how much credit you get for earlier education and experience. If you choose to stop after level 1, you finish faster; if you aim for the full tailoring craftsperson title, you add about a year.