Vocational colleges across Denmark are now being given the opportunity to develop greener education programmes for young people who aspire to become chefs, metalworkers, bricklayers, farmers, electricians, and more. Villum Foundation has allocated DKK 50 million to support the colleges in strengthening education in sustainability and the green transition. Over the past two years, the foundation has supported the area with close to DKK 100 million.
Ole Laursen, Director of Grants at Villum Foundation, says:
“Vocational education is a cornerstone of the green transition, as it plays a key role in delivering the skilled workers who can translate green knowledge into practical solutions. We want to support vocational colleges in providing students with the knowledge and skills that are in demand and essential to the green transition.”
The need for green skills
Across sectors – from food production to construction and transport – the demand for green skills is growing. There is a need for mechanics who can service electric vehicles; chefs who can prepare climate‑friendly meals; farmers who can produce food using new, sustainable methods; and building professionals who understand the climate impact of materials and can work with energy‑efficient solutions.
Today’s and tomorrow’s skilled workers need competencies that enable them to address tasks related to electrification, energy‑efficient solutions, digitalisation, new materials and increasing documentation requirements. This places significant demands on vocational colleges, which must ensure that teaching remains up to date, practice‑oriented and aligned with the needs of industry.
New courses and green tracks
These are precisely the challenges that the new funding programme for greener vocational education is intended to address. With support from the foundation, colleges can develop new teaching programmes and dedicated green tracks, allowing students to engage with topics ranging from sustainable materials and energy efficiency to electrification and new technologies.
“The ambition is to enable vocational colleges to develop modern education programmes that meet the demand for green skills from both industry and society. At the same time, the programmes must be motivating and relevant for young people. At Villum Foundation, we want future skilled workers to be equipped to act as frontrunners in sustainability and the green transition, contributing to a stronger and greener society,” says Ole Laursen.
Read more:
https://villumfonden.dk/da/group/channel/groennere-eud
Facts about Villum Foundation’s support for greener vocational education
- In 2024, Villum Foundation awarded just under DKK 47 million, and in 2025 just under DKK 50 million, to support greener vocational education programmes.
- Vocational colleges within technology, construction and transport, as well as food, agriculture and experience‑based industries, can apply for funding to develop teaching with green perspectives.
Villum Foundation’s funding programme for greener vocational education can, for example, be used for the development of green tracks, upskilling of teachers, and collaboration with companies.
The funding programme has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders from the vocational education sector.
