DK-Skills becomes SkillsDenmark

By Pia Hegner, Technical Delegate, Denmark

2009 started a new era in the story of skills promotion in Denmark. The year before marked the 10th anniversary of the Danish member organisation and was celebrated with a conference where the Minister of Education was one of the keynote speakers. Since then a new partnership began, involving both the vocational education institutions, the labour market organisations and the ministry. It also resulted in a new secretariat, with more resources, being set up.

As a result of the new professionalism in the secretariat it was decided to change the name, so it was in line with most of the other skills promotion organisations around the world. The name is now SkillsDenmark and we are very proud to have launched a new website: www.skillsdenmark.dk.

Another major achievement is the upcoming first national competition to be held in January 2011 in Odense, the geographical centre of Denmark. A large seminar about the idea of a national competition drew over 90 participants, and more than 20 trades have already announced their willingness to take part. A visit to the Finnish nationals provided major inspiration both with regard to the special youth competition for youngsters still in compulsory school and the idea of different local areas hosting the competition so it gets a “local flavour”. Several municipalities in Denmark are already lined up to host the event, which will be held every year.

This is the future, but right now SkillsDenmark is gearing up for WorldSkills Calgary 2009. Next weekend is devoted to team-building for the 15 Competitors who are already deep into their individual preparations. On August 20 there will be a big show on the Central Square next to Copenhagen City Hall, where the team will be working on small projects and talking to the audience. It will culminate with the team appearing in the Danish national television’s evening show.

For more information, please visit: www.skillsdenmark.dk.