Get a higher salary as an apprentice when you're over 25 years old. An Adult Apprentice (Voksenlærling) is a person over 25 years old who starts a vocational education.
The big difference from being a regular apprentice is that you get a higher salary – typically corresponding to the minimum wage for unskilled workers in the industry.
The scheme makes it financially possible for adults to start an education without a significant drop in income.
Who can become an Adult Apprentice?
To become an Adult Apprentice, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old
- Be unskilled or have an outdated education
- Start on a vocational education (EUV)
Good to know: There is no upper age limit. You can become an Adult Apprentice whether you're 25, 45 or 55 years old.
Salary as Adult Apprentice
The salary as an Adult Apprentice is significantly higher than for young apprentices:
- Higher hourly rate – Typically minimum wage for unskilled workers in the industry.
- Normal employment terms – Pension, vacation and other benefits like regular employees.
- Wage subsidy for the company – Companies can receive wage subsidies to hire Adult Apprentices.
- Salary during schooling – Receive salary even when you're at vocational school.
How to become an Adult Apprentice
Choose your education
Find a vocational education that matches your interests and job opportunities.
Find a company
Use Lærepladsen.dk and your network to find an apprenticeship position.
Sign apprenticeship agreement
The company must sign an adult apprentice agreement with you.
Start your education
Begin alternating between school and company.
Advantages of the Adult Apprentice scheme
- Higher salary – You can afford your expenses during the education
- Shorter education – Your experience is recognized through RPL
- Job guarantee – You're often offered a permanent position after the education
- Respect for experience – Companies appreciate adult apprentices' life and work experience
Advantages for the company
Companies have good reasons to hire Adult Apprentices:
- Wage subsidy – The municipality can subsidize part of the salary
- Mature employees – Adults bring experience and stability
- Shorter training – Adults often learn faster
- AUB refund – Contribution to apprenticeship salary from AUB (Employers' Educational Contribution)
Tips for finding an apprenticeship
Your adult experience is an advantage:
- Emphasize your work experience in your application
- Highlight your stability and maturity
- Show that you're motivated and serious
- Explain why you want a career change
Summary
The Adult Apprentice scheme makes it financially possible for adults to get an education. With a higher salary and recognition of your experience, you can become skilled – without too big a financial sacrifice.
Next step
In the final guide, we summarize and give you a complete action plan for your path from unskilled to skilled.