How academic subjects are structured in levels — and why that determines your further path
Basic course, main course and alternation between school and practice
Boat mechanic is a vocational education where you alternate between school periods and practical training at an apprenticeship. This means you learn the theory in a classroom and test it with real engines, boats and customers behind you. Here you get an overview of how the program is structured from day one until you have your journeyman's certificate.
§Basic course 1 and 2
If you come directly from 9th or 10th grade, you start on basic course 1, which is a broad introduction to the technical main area and typically lasts about half a year. Then comes basic course 2, where you really specialize towards boat mechanics. If you left primary school more than a year ago, you can skip basic course 1 and go directly to basic course 2.
Basic course 2 typically lasts 20 weeks. In that part you learn the basic skills on which the main course builds, and you prepare yourself to find and function in an apprenticeship.
§Main course — school and apprenticeship in rhythm
When you have an apprenticeship agreement with a company you begin the main course. It's here most of the time lies. You work at the workshop or shipyard and come to school in defined school periods where theory follows what you encounter in practice. That way what you do with your hands and what you learn in books connect.
| Part 1 · The trunk | Where | Approximate duration | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic course 1 | Vocational school | Ca. ½ år | Broad technical introduction (only directly from compulsory school) |
| Basic course 2 | Vocational school | 20 uger | Specialization toward boat mechanics |
| Main course | Læreplads + skoleperioder | The rest of the course | Apprenticeship alternated with school periods |
§Entry requirements and admission
To begin a vocational education you must normally have passed elementary school's final exam with an average of at least 2.0 in both Danish and math. If you don't meet the requirement there are alternatives — for example an entrance exam and a conversation with the school. If you are over 25 your course will be arranged as an adult education where relevant experience and previous schooling can shorten the path.
Because boat mechanics is a small trade with few places the school can call you for an interview where they look at your motivation your knowledge of the trade and your ability to relocate geographically for an apprenticeship.
EUX—journeyman and upper secondary level
If you want study competence on top of your journeyman certificate, you can explore an EUX path where you combine the craft with academic subjects. This gives you access to higher education later. Ask the school you are applying to if they offer EUX in connection with the subject.
“The education is built so theory and practice constantly speak together — what you encounter at the shipyard you pick up again at school.”