Technical or commercial EUX: two ways to the same hat

When people talk about EUX, it often sounds like one program. But in practice there are two quite different models: technical EUX and commercial EUX. Both end with an EUX certificate that gives general academic qualifications, and both build on a vocational qualification—but the way the secondary school subjects are packaged differs. According to the Ministry of Children and Education (UVM), the structure of an EUX program depends precisely on whether you go the technical or commercial route, and it's worth understanding the difference before you make your choice.

§Common foundation: the basic course

Both models start with a basic course, which like ordinary vocational training consists of two parts — GF1 and GF2 — each lasting 20 weeks. The difference from ordinary VET is that the eux basic courses contain additional basic subjects at C-level on top of the ordinary content. According to the Danish Ministry of Education, the technical eux basic courses contain six basic subjects at C-level: Danish, English, social science and mathematics plus two subjects aimed at the specific vocational training. The commercial eux basic courses contain eight basic subjects at C-level: Danish, English, social science, mathematics, business informatics, business economics, organisation and marketing.

§The technical model: subjects are woven in along the way

On a technical EUX program — for example as a carpenter, electrician, or blacksmith — you follow the basic structure from the vocational education: basic course, apprenticeship agreement, and a main course where you alternate between company and school. The gymnasium subjects at B and A level are in the school periods during the main course. This means that your main course according to UVM may be extended or shortened compared to ordinary vocational education because there must be room for the gymnasium education. You are never a 'pure gymnasium student' — the theory and workshop follow each other all the way.

§The commercial model: one combined study year

The commercial eux — within trade, office, retail and events — is structured differently. After the basic course comes a one-year study-competence-qualifying program, commonly called the study year or eux 1st part. Here you study upper secondary subjects full-time before continuing to the main program with an apprenticeship in a company. According to UVM, all commercial eux programs include Danish A, English B and Computer Science B in the study-competence-qualifying program, plus a number of upper secondary subjects relevant to each education. When the study year is completed, a certificate for eux 1st part is issued — the full eux certificate comes only when the entire main program is completed.

§What does the difference mean for you?

• 01If you want to quickly get into the workshop and have theory and practice mixed? The technical model alternates throughout.
• 02Do you thrive with combined school year full academic focus before you start as apprentice in company? That is how commercial model is built
• 03On technical EUX, you must maintain the gymnasium level over several years with interrupted school periods.
• 04On commercial EUX, you get documented proof of EUX part 1 already after the school year.
• 05Both paths lead to general study competence — neither of them closes doors.

The choice between technical and commercial EUX is therefore rarely about which model is 'best', but about which trade you want to be qualified in. The model follows the trade: if you choose carpentry, you get the technical structure; if you choose office, you get the commercial structure. What matters is that you know the rhythm of the course you say yes to — so neither the switch nor the study year comes as a surprise.

“Two models one diploma: whether your upper secondary subjects are in one combined year or interwoven between school periods general study competence appears on certificate at end”