About the OPU Programme
In 1992 The Danish Parliament passed legislation to the effect that young Danes in initial vocational training could have periods of work placement abroad recognised as an integral part of their course. At the same time, funds were made available through the Employers' Reimbursement System (AUB) to finance the extra costs incurred by the individual trainee during this transnational experience. Since then many trainees have every year availed themselves of the possibility for this, and the number is expected to grow in the years to come.
Education and training
The OPU programme is an important aspect of vocational education and training in Denmark because of its intrinsic value as qualitative improvement of our vocational education and training system. A work placement abroad gives the young person qualifications that are invaluable assets in today's economic and industrial climate: communicative skills in foreign languages, intimate knowledge of foreign markets, valuable contacts and in many instances new technological insights. Add to this the personal development of a young person away from home for a long period: increased independence, self-reliance, tolerance of others with a different background, problem-solving skills, initiative, ability to assume responsibility etc. - just to mention some of the positive effects that can be identified.
Work placements with funding from the OPU-programme can take place in all countries.
AUB - The employers' reimbursement system
- is a scheme operated jointly by employers in the private and public sectors. The purpose of the scheme is to increase the quality and quantity of work placements in initial vocational training by distributing costs for the training of apprentices and trainees evenly on all employers. Accordingly, all employers pay a contribution to the funds on a scale determined by the number of staff they employ in Denmark. The AUB is a self-supporting institution set up by law in 1977 and is managed by a board consisting of representatives from both sides of the labour market.
Initial vocational education and training in Denmark
- is largely structured as a so-called dual system (the apprenticeship model). Therefore, alongside working in the company, the trainees are required to attend courses either at their business college in Denmark or online. There will be no costs to the company associated with this.
The OPU-office
- was set up by most of the commercial colleges in Denmark in 1990. The OPU-office is dedicated to the promotion of transnational mobility in vocational education through information, advice and practical assistance to trainees and vocational colleges in Denmark. The OPU-office works directly together with companies, vocational colleges and has developed a substantial network throughout Europe.
Download our brochure and infosheet about taking on Danish trainees in your company.
