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Basic courses 1 and 2, main course, alternation between school and practice, duration and entry requirements
Trade education is a vocational education under the main area Office, trade and business services. It is structured so you both learn the trade at school and get it in your hands at a workplace. If you understand how the parts fit together, it is much easier to make a plan for your own course — regardless of whether you come directly from primary school or have some years behind you.
§The basic course comes first
The education begins at school with a basic course divided into two parts. Basic course 1 is for you starting directly after 9th or 10th grade and is about finding your place in a vocational area and getting hold of the broad fundamental subjects. Basic course 2 targets the trade itself and prepares you for the main course. If you did not come directly from primary school you typically start on basic course 2.
Each part of the basic course corresponds to about half a year. Here you work with sales, customer understanding, sales, business economics, IT and communication — the professional foundation you build the rest of your education on.
§The main course alternates between school and practical work
After the basic course comes the main course, and this is where you truly specialize. You alternate between school periods and periods out at a training company. It requires a training agreement — that is, a written agreement with a company that will train you. The main course typically lasts approximately two years, but the length depends on your specialty and background.
| Part | Where | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Basic course 1 | School | Broad introduction to vocational education and basic trade (typically directly after compulsory school) |
| Basic course 2 | School | Targeted retail trade — sales, marketing, economics, IT, communication; concluded with basic course exam |
| Main course | School + company | Alternation between school periods and company training; here specialization is chosen; concludes with professional exam |
§How long does it take
Overall, trade education typically lasts around 3-4 years, but the length depends on your age and background. If you have a higher education — for example a student examination — parts of the basic course can be shortened and you can finish faster. It's worth checking with the individual school how your specific programme is structured.
§Admission and access requirements
To enter you must in principle have completed 9th or 10th grade and meet the grade requirement in Danish and mathematics from primary school's leaving exam. If you don't meet the grade requirement you can come to an entrance exam and interview at the school. To progress from basic course 2 to the main course you must additionally pass the basic course exam and meet the academic entry requirements for the main course.
If you are over 25, you typically follow EUV — vocational education for adults. Here you get an assessment of your prior learning, so previous education and work experience can count and shorten your course.
§Make a plan that suits you
Because the course can be put together differently, it is a good idea to talk to an advisor at one of the trade schools that offers the education. That way you get clarity on which basic course you should start on, how long it takes for you, and when you should start looking for an apprenticeship position.