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.

There are two ways to recruit an OPU trainee

Through the OPU Office
If you would like our help finding a trainee, the OPU Office can introduce you to suitable candidates. 

Recruit a trainee directly
An OPU trainee placement can also be established directly between a student and a company.

In both cases, OPU supports you with the approval and practical requirements of the programme.

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.

What’s In It for You?

Taking on an OPU trainee gives your company the opportunity to bring in a motivated young person who is eager to learn and gain hands-on experience. A trainee becomes part of your team and can contribute to real tasks, bring fresh ideas, digital skills and new perspectives to your organisation.

There are two ways to recruit an OPU trainee

Through the OPU Office

If you would like our help finding a trainee, the OPU Office can introduce you to suitable candidates. We screen and interview students who are interested in an OPU placement and select candidates who meet the general requirements for the programme.

You will typically meet 3–4 candidates for each position and conduct the final interviews yourself. You and your company always make the final decision.

Establish an OPU placement directly

An OPU trainee placement can also be established directly between a student and a company. In many cases, the student takes the initiative and contacts companies to find a suitable trainee position. Companies can also actively recruit an OPU trainee themselves.

Once a student and company have agreed on a trainee position, the OPU Office assesses and approves the placement and helps with the practical formalities, contracts and educational requirements of the OPU programme. In this process, there is no shortlist of additional candidates from the OPU Office. The student and company have already found each other, and the company makes the final decision about whether to offer the student a trainee position.

Simple Process, No Cost

Whether you find your trainee through the OPU Office or directly, the OPU Office supports both the company and the trainee throughout the placement.

The process is simple and involves very little administration for the company. You only need to complete an employment contract and the OPU Office checklist, which includes a brief overview and confirmation of the trainee’s planned work tasks.

Our support and the recruitment and employment process are free of charge for your company. 

Danish Trainees in Your Company – Trade, Retail or Clerical Work

The OPU-Office represents approximately 30 business colleges in Denmark and arranges traineeships for graduates from the Commercial Upper Secondary program. Each year, we send about 160 trainees to Germany and around 30 to other countries worldwide.

We have worked with the OPU programme since 1992, and our experience shows that employers and trainees alike are extremely pleased with this opportunity.

• The OPU-Office offers access to interviews with our applicants – we screen applicants and select those who meet typical requirements and demands.
• We arrange job interviews in your company – typically 3-4 applicants per job offered – and will provide further materials, such as contracts and education guidelines, as needed.
• You and your company are in charge of the final selection process. If none of the applicants meet your expectations, you are not obliged to hire any of them.
• The services offered by the OPU-Office are provided free of charge.
• Our applicants are young, bright commercial students who are highly motivated and enthusiastic. The trainees have graduated from their Danish business college and are aged 18-20 years.
• The traineeship typically lasts one year. The trainee is partially financially supported by the Danish Employer’s Reimbursement Scheme, though the hiring company must still pay a monthly salary.
• After a short training period, the trainee will be able to work independently in roles typical for trade, commercial, clerical, or retail businesses.
• Trainees are available to start their traineeship around August 1st.