Millions for Greener Vocational Education
Vocational education and training play a central role in the green transition of Danish industry. Now, several vocational colleges across the country are receiving just under DKK 50 million from Villum Foundation to develop greener training programmes, enabling future skilled workers to become frontrunners in sustainability and the green transition on the Danish labour market.
New teaching courses and green programmes
With this funding, vocational colleges can make their programmes greener, develop new teaching courses, and establish dedicated green teaching lines. This means that students will encounter teaching in, for example, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, electrification, and new technological solutions – qualifications that are in high demand in an industry undergoing major transformation.
Ole Laursen, Grant area Director at Villum Foundation, explains:
“The need for new qualifications within the green transition is significant, and skilled workers play an important role. We want to help vocational colleges provide students with the knowledge and skills that are in demand, and which are essential for enabling the green transition,” he says.
The grant will also enable colleges to develop teachers’ qualifications, collaborate with businesses and adapt facilities to support green teaching. The aim is to develop teaching that matches the skill requirements of both industry and society.
From green warehouse operators to regenerative agriculture
TEC, Technical Education Copenhagen, is one of the colleges receiving support from Villum Foundation. Here, the focus is on strengthening the green transition in the logistics sector by upskilling vocational teachers and developing new teaching initiatives for the warehouse operator and automation technician programmes.
Per Nørregaard, Head of Education at TEC, says:
“We are incredibly pleased with the grant from Villum Foundation, which, for example, allows us to establish a kind of mini‑enterprise in which future automation technicians and warehouse operators collaborate on tasks in a fully automated warehouse – just like they will in real life. They learn to reduce energy consumption and minimise waste in practice. This is knowledge they will take with them into the industry.”
At Den Jyske Håndværkerskole in Hadsten, both teachers and management are being equipped to understand and communicate new knowledge about sustainable construction in carpentry – a field facing major changes to building regulations and increasing requirements around sustainability,
documentation and circular economy.
And on a former farm at Techcollege International Aalborg, outdoor kitchens and other facilities are being established so that students can work hands‑on with the entire food value chain – from field to fork – and gain knowledge about sustainability, green food production and regenerative agriculture.
“Vocational education is a cornerstone of the green transition. It is essential to ensure a workforce capable of translating green knowledge into practical, real‑world solutions. We are therefore pleased to support these initiatives, which will contribute to a stronger and greener society,” says Ole Laursen.
The projects are supported through Villum Foundation's Greener Vocational Education and Training funding programme.
Aarhus TECH and TEC (Technical Education Copenhagen) aim to strengthen vocational education’s contribution to the green transition by integrating sustainability into teaching on Foundation Course 1. The two vocational schools will implement this on programmes within technology, construction and transport as well as food, agriculture and experiences.
The goal is to develop pupils’ green mindset and professional identity, and to upskill teachers and managers. The project includes:
- Development of five green teaching programmes of four weeks each
- Establishment of 1–2 green core curriculum 1 - tracks of approx. 20 weeks
- Pedagogical development laboratory for teachers and managers
- Production of 12 afternoon talks and 6–8 student video clips
- Knowledge sharing and workshops for other vocational schools
The project covers approx. 1,100 pupils across seven vocational pathways and involves 24 teachers. Pupils typically enter Foundation Course 1 directly after compulsory schooling.
Grant: DKK 6,871,227.
Kold College collaborates with ZBC (Zealand Business College) and the Agricultural Education Centre to motivate students in horticulture and landscape gardening programmes to adopt more sustainable methods. The project will upskill vocational
teachers, develop practice‑oriented teaching programmes and establish green learning labs. The project will also target the industrial sector and knowledge partners wishing to strengthen a green mindset in practice.
The project includes:
- Upskilling of vocational teachers
- Development of teaching materials
- Establishment of green learning labs
- Testing and implementation of teaching programmes
- Dissemination and knowledge sharing via a digital platform and events
The programmes include approx. 200 students annually in the main courses.
Grant: DKK 6,395,661.
Kalø Organic Agricultural School enhances the qualifications of main-course students as green entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. The project creates a more accessible path into sustainable agriculture for young people hindered by economic and structural barriers.
The project includes support for:
- Development of teaching materials and lesson plans
- Startup events and pitch events
- Establishment and operation of mentorship schemes
- Continuing education for teachers
- Dissemination and anchoring of the project’s results
Kalø Organic Agricultural School is part of Viden Djurs. Approx. 40 students and six teachers are involved during the project period. Partners include the Innovation Centre for Organic Agriculture, Business Djursland and Maltfabrikken.
Grant: DKK 1,487,850.
At a former farm near Techcollege in Aalborg, a cross‑disciplinary teaching arena is being established for sustainability, green food production and regenerative agriculture. The aim is to create a practice‑based learning environment where students work concretely with the entire food value chain – from field to fork. Techcollege intends, through this project, to enhance practical vocational skills, foster student motivation and strengthen action competence among students undertaking food and agricultural programmes.
The project supports:
- Establishment of teaching arenas and facilities (e.g. outdoor kitchens)
- Development and testing of teaching programmes
- Evaluation of student learning and motivation
- Dissemination and anchoring of project results
- Project management and collaboration with external consultants
The project will be anchored through teaching plans and professional learning communities at Techcollege. Partners include local food producers, Den Grønne Rygrad, Haver til Maver and Copenhagen University College. The programmes include approx. 750 vocational students.
Grant: DKK 2,960,585.
The project establishes a grain workshop at the Copenhagen Hospitality College. The workshop will strengthen teaching in sustainable food production with grain as a central ingredient across the food value chain. The project addresses the declining demand for plant‑based food and the underutilised potential of grain as a nutritious and flavourful ingredient.
The aim is to strengthen students’ competencies in green gastronomy, baking and nutrition, and to create a professional network that promotes the role of grain in future food production.
The project supports, among other things:
- Establishment of a physical grain workshop
- Development of teaching programmes and materials
- Competence development for vocational teachers
- Establishment of the KORNET network
- Dissemination and knowledge sharing to other vocational schools
- Events and a harvest festival
- Updating of the school shop’s product range
- Collaboration with Kalø on student exchanges and joint teaching
The Hotel and Restaurant School educates approx. 2,380 students annually across gastronomy, baking/pastry, waiting staff and nutrition programmes. Kalø contributes approx. 180 students annually.
Grant: DKK 2,144,301.
Viden Djurs and Tradium (Randers), train 20 teachers on industrial technician, metalworker, mechanic, electrician, carpenter and bricklayer programmes in sustainability and greener consumption. This competence boost will equip students for the labour market of the future through teaching in which sustainability serves as a guiding principle.
Teachers will develop and test practice‑oriented student programmes focused on sustainability and greener consumption. In total, approx. 100 lessons are expected to be redesigned as greener learning sequences.
Supported activities include:
- Competence development programmes for teachers
- Development and testing of student programmes
- Further development of technology centres
- Dissemination and anchoring via manuals, webinars and a conference
- Equipment and minor construction work
- Collaboration with knowledge centres and companies
The project involves collaboration with local businesses and other vocational schools.
Grant: DKK 3,592,576.
TEC Copenhagen and TECH Aarhus will establis Smart Storage Academy to strengthen the green transition in the logistics sector through upskilling vocational teachers and developing new teaching for warehouse operator and automation technician programmes.
The project addresses the need for qualifications in automation, digitalisation and data‑driven decision‑making. It will develop and test storyline‑based teaching programmes integrating green transition into realistic learning scenarios. Teachers will be
upskilled and a fully automated workshop will be established.
Supported activities include:
- Pedagogical and professional upskilling of 16 vocational teachers
- Development and testing of 6–8 storyline‑based teaching programmes
- Conceptualisation and dissemination of learning designs
- National knowledge‑sharing workshops and webinars
- Simulation equipment and virtual access solutions
The National Centre for Vocational Pedagogy (NCE) handles national knowledge sharing. Results are shared through Klimaerhvervsskolens network and communication initiatives.
Grant: DKK 2,600,000.
The project develops and implements science‑based teaching programmes and materials that support a sustainable transition of the agricultural sector. The aim is to translate science and technology into practice in fields, greenhouses and food forests.
Roskilde Technical College (Vilvorde and Landbrugsskolen Sjælland) collaborates with Kold College, Jordbrugets Uddannelsescenter og Videnscenter for Jord- og Landbrug. The three schools are the only institutions in Denmark educating horticulture students. The results will be anchored in teaching and broadly disseminated.
Supported activities include:
- Employment of a development consultant
- Establishment of seven Living Laboratories
- Development of teaching materials and programmes
- Competence development for teachers
- Purchase of laboratory equipment and machinery
- Project management and dissemination
The project involves 675 full‑time equivalent students and 83 teachers. One full‑time equivalent corresponds to 40 weeks of school attendance.
Grant: DKK 7,964,246.
Skive College modernises upholstery and interior decoration programmes (furniture upholsterer, automotive upholsterer and curtain decorator) with a focus on sustainability and industrial development, ensuring they reflect the industry's green and
technological transition.
The main course for these programmes is only offered at Skive College, with approx. 20–25 students annually. The project targets students and teachers in upholstery programmes and, secondarily, design students and international course participants.
Supported activities include:
- Upgrading the school’s machinery with equipment for testing material durability, recyclability and life cycle
- Introduction of high‑tech equipment such as computer‑controlled embroidery and laser cutting
- Training teachers in using the new equipment
- Strengthening collaboration with the Aarhus School of Furniture Design and Krabbesholm Folk High School
- Development and delivery of international courses focused on sustainable Danish design and craftsmanship
The project includes nine students and four teachers and participates in networks including CoVE with European vocational schools.
Grant: DKK 1,546,601.
Den Jyske Håndværkerskole (DJH) strengthens the carpentry programme for the green transition and future climate requirements. The project equips both teachers and management with new knowledge about sustainable construction in a trade facing significant regulatory changes and rising demands for sustainability, documentation and circular economy.
In collaboration with Det Faglige Udvalg for træfagene og Videnscenter for Håndværk og Bæredygtighed , a knowledge team is being established alongside competence development for management. The project will produce dissemination materials that contribute nationally to the further development of the carpentry programme.
Supported activities include:
- Course for six teachers at BUILD (Aalborg University)
- Four master’s modules in Building Physics (Aalborg University)
- Development and dissemination of professional material
- Consultancy from the Knowledge Centre for Craft and Sustainability
Grant: DKK 772,936.
The warehouse operator programme is being developed with a focus on green transition, sustainability and digitalisation, so future graduates can manage green work tasks, including resource optimisation, waste handling and green innovation. Together with EUC Lillebælt, EUC Sjælland and UCH Holstebro as well as the Process Technology Knowledge Centre, AMU North Jutland strengthens the competences of vocational teachers and students through practice‑oriented programmes and
collaboration with companies.
Supported activities include:
- Company placements for vocational teachers
- Workshops with companies and knowledge centres
- Development of a green job profile and analysis of vocational programme adaptations
- Development and testing of green teaching programmes
- Production of a new green educational profile
- National seminars and dissemination of project results
The programmes cover warehouse and logistics programmes with participation from approx. 18 vocational teachers from four schools. Results are disseminated through national seminars, local workshops and the Knowledge Centre’s digital platform.
Grant: SKK 2,523,121.
The project aims to strengthen the role of vocational colleges in advancing the green transition within the construction sector by upskilling vocational teachers and developing new sustainability‑focused teaching practices. Through a competence‑development programme comprising six thematic modules, the project aims to cultivate a green mindset and enhance teachers’ sustainability‑related skills. The upskilling programme is delivered by the Danish Technological Institute, in collaboration with the Knowledge Centre for Craftsmanship and Sustainability and the House of Natural Sciences.
The project will support, among other initiatives:
- Competence assessment and development of vocational teachers
- Design and piloting of new teaching programmes
- Establishment of a case repository
- Advisory schemes and collaboration with companies
- Project management and evaluation
The project targets vocational teachers and students enrolled in construction programmes, including carpentry, painting, floor- laying, construction groundwork and building construction. In total, the project includes approx. 845 students at EUD level and around 40 teachers and consultants from the two colleges.
Grant amount: DKK 7,901,849
The role of metalworking apprentices in the green transition is strengthened by developing their action competence – particularly their ability and courage to act – through practice‑oriented teaching and close collaboration with companies. The project links school and apprenticeship through concrete assignments, company cases and dialogues, enabling pupils to see themselves as part of the solution.
Supported activities include:
- Development and testing of didactic approaches that strengthen students’ action competence
- Three factory‑based learning sequences per main course with student involvement and company collaboration
- Local student–company events, building bridges between different company cultures
- Competence development for teachers via the Learning Factory model
- Documentation and dissemination of results via vidensportalen.dk and conferences
Experiences and materials are disseminated via vidensportalen.dk, conferences, social media and networks. Local student–company events and a final conference with broad participation will be held.
UddannelsesCenter Ringkøbing-Skjern collaborates with Learnmark and Tradium. The project covers apprentices in the main course, with test classes at each school.
Grant: DKK 2,833,763.
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