How you deal with diversity at work
From basic course to journeyman exam — alternation between school and practical training
Chimney sweep is a vocational education under the main area Technology, construction and transport. It is structured like most other vocational educations: a basic course at school followed by a main course, where you alternate between being at school and working in a company as an apprentice. Here you get an overview of how the pieces fit together and how long it takes.
§Basic course 1 and 2
If you come more or less directly from primary school, you typically start on basic course 1 (GF1), which lasts about half a year and is a broad introduction to the main area. Then comes basic course 2 (GF2), which is the subject-specific part that points directly at the chimney sweep trade. If you already have a training agreement with a chimney sweep company or are older, you can skip GF1 and begin on GF2.
§Main course — four school periods and practical work
When the basic program is completed and you have a training agreement with a company, you continue in the main program. This is where you really learn the trade. The main program is divided into several school periods spread throughout the program, and between them you work at the company. In school you gather theory and exercises, and in practice you use and cement it with customers.
| Part | Where | Approximate duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic course 1 | School | Ca. ½ år |
| Basic course 2 | School | Approx. ½ year (around 20 weeks) |
| Main course | School + internship in a company | The rest of the course, distributed over several school periods |
| Journeyman's exam | Conclusion | Finally in the main course |
The total qualification lasts up to around 4 years and 6 months when you count the basic course in. The main program ends with a journey exam, where you must show both theoretical knowledge and practical ability before you are allowed to call yourself a trained chimney sweep.
§Entry requirements and admission
To begin the basic course you must have completed 9th or 10th grade or equivalent and meet the admission requirement of at least grade 02 on average in both Danish and math. If you don't meet the grade requirement there are ways in via entrance exam and conversation — ask the school about the options.
- 01Completed 9th or 10th grade (or equivalent).
- 02At least 02 on average in Danish and Mathematics.
- 03Possible entrance exam and interview if the grade requirement is not met.
- 04An apprenticeship with a chimney sweep company gives access to start directly on GF2.
§What you are left with
When you are done you have a journeyman certificate broad professional toolkit within cleaning firing techniques inspection and customer advice and training that gives access to performing the legally required chimney sweep work. It is an education with a clear structure and a clear goal – and a skill that is sought after.