How you deliver quality when clients differ

Intestine technician is one of the most specialized vocational educations in Denmark, and very few know the profession even exists. But like most other vocational educations, it is built on a basic course at a vocational school and a main course where you alternate between school attendance and work in a company. Here you get to go through the entire program so you know what awaits you — and in which order.

The first thing you encounter is the basic course, which is divided in two. Basic course 1 is for you who come more or less directly from primary school, and here you get a broad taste of the subject area before you make your final choice. Basic course 2 is aimed at the trade itself and prepares you to function in an apprenticeship. Then follows the main course, which is the longest and most professional part, and where you truly become an intestine technician.

Should you start basic course 1 or 2?

Where you start depends especially on how far you are from lower secondary school, and on your age. If you come in natural succession from grade 9 or 10, you usually start on basic course 1. If more time has passed, or if you have a different background, you can in many cases go directly into basic course 2. The basic course at vocational school has a scope that typically corresponds to either 30 or 10 weeks of teaching, depending on whether you take both parts or start directly on the subject-specific part.

On the main course, you alternate between school and periods at the apprenticeship. It is at the apprenticeship where you get the volume training and routine, and it is at the school periods where you gather the theory and link it to what you do in practice. To start the main course, you need an apprenticeship agreement with a company — that is your apprenticeship, and it is a prerequisite for you to finish.

The main course itself lasts about 2.5 years and adding the basic course the total education typically lands around three years. The exact length depends on whether you take the entire basic course or start directly on basic course 2 and your specific training contract.

To be admitted, you must have completed 9th or 10th grade and generally have at least 2.0 on average in both Danish and mathematics. If you don't meet the grade requirement, the path can often go via an entrance exam and an interview at school. If you are unsure where you stand, contact the study guidance counselor before you apply.

• 01Completed 9th or 10th grade (or equivalent)
• 02At least 2.0 on average in Danish and Mathematics as a starting point
• 03Opportunity for admission test and interview if you don't meet grade requirements
• 04An apprenticeship with a company to complete the main course

“It is a narrow trade with few in the trade — but precisely because of that, there are good chances for permanent work once you have gotten in.”