The icebreaker scheme (Isbryderordningen) is a special wage subsidy targeted at recent graduates with disabilities. The purpose is to give you work experience within your professional field – something you may not have had the opportunity to gain due to your disability.
For many recent graduates with disabilities, the challenge is often not the education itself, but what comes after: How do you get your first job when you lack the work experience that most employers ask for?
The icebreaker scheme is designed precisely to break this barrier. The company receives a wage subsidy, which makes it easier for them to take a chance on a candidate without experience. And you get the opportunity to build your professional profile.
What is the icebreaker scheme?
The icebreaker scheme is an employment with wage subsidy where:
- You are employed in a public or private company
- You work at the standard wage according to collective agreements
- The company receives a subsidy for your salary from the Jobcenter (Danish employment office)
- You gain work experience within your professional field
The idea is that you get a real job with real tasks and real colleagues. It is not a work trial – you are an employee with the same rights as others.
Who can use the icebreaker scheme?
The scheme is targeted at recent graduates with disabilities who:
- Have completed an education: You have recently completed a professional education (the education must be completed, not interrupted).
- Have a disability: You have a permanent functional impairment that affects your ability to work.
- Lack work experience: You have not had the opportunity to gain relevant work experience during your education due to your disability.
- Have difficulty getting a job on your own: Your combination of disability and lack of experience makes it difficult to get a regular job.
The key point is that the scheme compensates for the work experience you were unable to gain because of your disability. If you have had work during your education, the scheme may not be relevant for you.
How long can you be in the scheme?
The icebreaker scheme can last up to 1 year. The specific duration is assessed based on your needs and the position you are employed in.
The idea is that 1 year gives you enough time to:
- Become familiar with the professional tasks
- Build your network in the industry
- Show what you can do
- Gain references for future job applications
After the icebreaker period, many are offered permanent employment. Others continue their job search with stronger credentials.
What are the working conditions?
In the icebreaker scheme, you are employed on normal conditions:
- Full salary: You receive salary according to the collective agreement that applies to the position.
- Regular employment: You have the same rights and obligations as other employees.
- Professional tasks: You work with tasks that are relevant to your education.
- Colleague relationships: You are part of the workplace's community like everyone else.
The wage subsidy is not something you see in your salary. It is paid directly from the Jobcenter to the company.
How does the subsidy work?
The company receives a wage subsidy from the Jobcenter, which covers part of the salary cost. This means:
- The company's financial risk decreases
- It becomes easier to take a chance on a candidate without experience
- You get a real job with a real salary
The subsidy is not a charity – it is a compensation for the fact that you need time to build up the experience you were unable to gain during your education.
Combination with other schemes
The icebreaker scheme can be combined with other disability support schemes:
- Personal assistance: If you need practical help or support, you can receive it during your icebreaker employment.
- Aids and equipment: If you need special tools, you can apply for them.
- Mentor: A mentor can support you in getting started in the job.
The combination of icebreaker and other schemes can make a significant difference for your chances of success.
How to apply
- Contact your caseworker: Talk to your caseworker at the Jobcenter about your situation and whether the icebreaker scheme is relevant for you.
- Find a position: Search for positions that match your education. You can either find a position yourself or get help from the Jobcenter.
- Agreement with the employer: The company must agree to employ you with a wage subsidy. The Jobcenter helps set up the agreement.
- Start employment: When the agreement is in place, you start as an employee in the company.
Tip: Be proactive. Many icebreaker positions are created because the candidate finds a company that is interested. Don't just wait for the Jobcenter to find something – search for companies in your field yourself.
Practical tips
- Contact your caseworker early and discuss whether the scheme is right for you
- Be active in the job search – find companies in your field
- Explain the scheme to potential employers – many don't know it
- Focus on what you CAN offer, not what you can't
- Consider combining with other schemes for optimal support
- Use the year to build your network and references
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the icebreaker scheme if I already have work experience?
The scheme is targeted at those who lack work experience due to their disability. If you have had work during your education, the scheme may not be relevant. Talk to your caseworker for a specific assessment.
What happens after the icebreaker period?
The goal is for you to continue in regular employment – either at the same company or elsewhere. Many are offered permanent positions. Others continue their job search with stronger credentials and references.
Can the company refuse the scheme?
Yes, the company decides whether they want to employ you with a wage subsidy. But many companies are interested once they understand the scheme. The Jobcenter can help present the scheme to the company.
Next step
You now have a good understanding of the icebreaker scheme. In the next guide, we look at The mentor scheme – a scheme that can give you personal support in the start-up phase.
Contact your caseworker at the Jobcenter to get a specific assessment of whether the icebreaker scheme is right for you.