New Pool in the Villum Foundation: Vocational Schools Can Apply for Funds for Green Pioneers

The green transition and focus on sustainability will impact all sectors of Danish industry. Knowledge of green technologies, sustainable materials, and energy optimization is crucial. Vocational schools now have the opportunity to enhance this knowledge so that students can contribute to a sustainable society in their future workplaces.

"I am incredibly pleased that the Villum Foundation, along with many other foundations in Denmark, wants to help our young people receive a good education that prepares them for the future. The green transition is a huge construction project, and we will not achieve it just because we desire it so much. It requires persistence, significant investments, and, not least, the right skills. The government has allocated a historically large amount to raise the quality of our vocational education programs. With this, we will ensure that students at vocational schools are trained in the use of up-to-date and green equipment and are prepared for the reality and future job market they will encounter in businesses. But I would like to thank the Villum Foundation for also taking responsibility for this," says Minister for Children and Education Mattias Tesfaye.

Future Competence Needs

Last year, a group of professional committees, supported by the Ministry of Education, mapped out the competencies that need to be developed among young people in Danish vocational education to meet Denmark's climate ambitions.

The study showed a need to strengthen young people's knowledge and skills in several key areas to meet future competence needs and prepare for an entry into a sustainable and green job market. This includes new technological solutions, regulations, requirements, certifications, electrification, digitalization, and energy optimization.

Therefore, the Villum Foundation is now opening a new pool, "Greener VET," which gives vocational schools the opportunity to apply for funds to strengthen education in the areas of technology, construction, and transportation as well as food, agriculture, and experiences.

"Denmark needs skilled, committed, and environmentally conscious young tradespeople. With the new pool, we are giving vocational schools the opportunity to adapt their education to sustainability and the green transition in the Danish job market. Vocational schools can apply for funds to adjust existing programs and develop entirely new courses or possibly special green lines. And we strongly encourage applications that include innovative collaborations on education between schools and businesses, as this is greatly needed," says Agi Csonka, Program Director at the Villum Foundation.

A Wide Range of Vocational Programs

The new pool, totaling 50 million DKK, is aimed at education programs with a high degree of scientific and technological content. At vocational schools, this applies to programs in technology, construction, and transportation and in food, agriculture, and experiences. These programs cater to nearly 50,000 students training for various professions such as carpenters, electricians, farmers, and toolmakers.

The "Greener VET" fund has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the vocational education sector. The pool complements the Villum Foundation's other climate grants in education, such as the "Green Smith," "Climate Smart - Sustainable Construction," and "VET Saves the Climate" projects. Experiences from these projects have also been incorporated into setting the framework and criteria for the new pool.

Main Pool and Maturation Pool

There will be a main pool for applicants ready to submit an application by August 15, the application deadline. There will also be a smaller maturation pool for applicants needing time and help to further develop their project. We expect to repeat the pool in 2025.

Facts about "Greener VET"

• The pool opens on April 15, 2024.
• The application deadline is August 15, 2024.
• A maximum of 8 million DKK can be applied for per project, which can run for up to five years.
• The budget framework is 50 million DKK.
• The poll falls under the Villum Foundation's grant area for Children, Youth, and Science.
• Main pool
• Maturation pool