Lifelong Learning in Denmark

Søren KristensenDirectorThe Danish National Centre for the Development of Vocational Education and Training

Metropolitan University College

NCESøren Kristensen

Tradition for lifelong learning in Denmark

Folk High Schools

Adult educational associations (evening classes)

Since 1960: Labour Market Training Scheme (AMU)

NCESøren Kristensen

Drivers for lifelong learning strategy

1. Ageing workforce2. Unskilled jobs disappearing3. Need for renewal of skills due to technological and organisational change

Challenge: to shape a system that allows the workforce to acquire formal qualifications while remaining in employment

NCESøren Kristensen

Prerequisites

1. Acquisition of formal qualifications2. Accreditation of prior (experiential) learning3. Modularisation4. Exploitation of open and distance learning techniques5. State subvention for companies sending employees on training courses6. Use of existing schools and training centres

NCESøren Kristensen

NCESøren Kristensen

Does it work?

According to EUROSTAT (2009)

- Over the past 6 years, the number of persons involved in cvt in DK has risen by 50%- More than 90% of cvt takes place during working hours- Every third Danish employee has participated in cvt activities in the past month- Denmark is on top of EU statistics