How you diagnose problems — systematically
Basic course, main course, levels and specialities — and what it takes to get started
Introduction
If you want to be a process operator, you don't just go to school for a few years in a row. It is a vocational education where you alternate between going to vocational school and training in a production company. Here you get an overview of how the entire course fits together so you know what you are getting into before you apply.
The three stages
The education falls into three parts: basic course part 1 basic course part 2 and the main course. The basic course takes place at vocational school while the main course alternates between training at a company and shorter school stays. How long the whole thing takes depends on whether you stop at the first tier or build a speciality on top.
| Stage | Where | Approximate duration | What's happening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic course 1 | Vocational school | A half year | Broad intro course to the main area technology, construction and transport — especially for you coming directly from 9th or 10th grade |
| Basic course 2 | Vocational school | A half year | Targeted trade with natural sciences, chemistry, technology and a final exam giving access to main course |
| Main course | Company + school | The rest of the course | Training in a production company interrupted by school periods, concluded with a journeyman's test |
Two steps — and thus multiple lengths
The main course is divided into levels. If you stop after level 1, you become a process worker. If you choose to continue to level 2, you can graduate as a process operator or take one of the specializations. Therefore, the total duration is specified as a range: from approximately 2½ years if you only do level 1, up to 4½ years if you take the whole way with a specialization. If you choose to continue, additional school weeks and training time are added.
Entry requirements and admission
To be admitted, you normally need to have passed the primary school leaving examination with at least an average of 2.0 in both Danish and mathematics. You apply via optagelse.dk. If you don't have the grades, an entrance exam and an interview at school may be a pathway in — contact the study guidance counselor at the vocational school you want to apply to.
- 01Passed primary school exit exam with minimum 2.0 average in Danish and mathematics
- 02Application via optagelse.dk
- 03Alternative route via entrance exam and interview if the grade requirement is not met
- 04If you come from another education or have been out of school for a couple of years, you can often start directly on the 2nd part of the basic course
What if you don't find an apprenticeship position?
The main course requires that you have a training agreement with a company. If you don't find an apprenticeship right away, you can proceed in school-based training at a school-based training centre, where you practise the same competencies you would otherwise gain at the company, while you continue to apply.
Are you an adult?
If you are over 25, the education can be arranged as a vocational education for adults (euv). Here your work experience counts, so the course can be shorter and more targeted. Contact a vocational school that offers the trade and have a concrete assessment of your situation made.
“You do not just go to school — you are part of a production company from the moment your training agreement takes effect.”