A new project led by Odense Robotics and Craft Nation aims to give young people easier access to the latest robotics and automation technologies and help address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. The project, titled Future Skilled Workers – Industry 4.0, has received DKK 5.3 million in funding from Tietgenfonden.
Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry is growing, and demand for skilled workers is increasing accordingly.
To meet this need and strengthen the link between vocational education and industry, Odense Robotics is now partnering with Craft Nation – a collaboration between four of the country’s largest vocational colleges – on a new nationwide project.
The aim is to ensure that more young people gain access to and understanding of the latest technologies within their trades, while companies gain better access to the skilled workforce of the future.
“We know that the demand for skilled workers with the right technical competences is growing fast. With this project, we want to create a stronger connection between vocational schools and industry, so students gain access to and knowledge of the latest technologies, and companies find it easier to attract the qualified workforce they need,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics.
Closer collaboration between schools and companies
According to figures from the Odense Robotics Insight Report, 25 per cent of surveyed robotics companies in 2024 were unable to fill a position due to a lack of qualified applicants, and 38 per cent of those companies experienced negative effects on their production or revenue as a result.
The project will address this challenge through a range of concrete initiatives, including company visits for students and apprentices, professional masterclasses at vocational schools, and a nationwide network for educators.
The goal is to give students and apprentices deeper insight into the industry and access to the technologies and knowledge that are in demand. At the same time, companies gain better opportunities to engage with potential future employees early in their career paths.
“If more young people are to see the opportunities in the robotics and automation industry, we need to bring schools and companies closer together. The project gives students and apprentices access to the technology, knowledge and practical experience that companies are looking for. This strengthens both the quality of vocational education and young people’s opportunities to enter a rapidly developing industry,” says Lasse Rønaa Lyngholm, Manager at Craft Nation.
Technology as a driver of development and the green transition
The project also addresses another important agenda: the green transition. Robots, automation and drones play a central role today in both industrial development and the transition towards more sustainable production methods by streamlining processes, reducing waste and enabling new green solutions. Herningsholm Erhvervsskole & Gymnasier (one of Denmark’s designated climate vocational colleges) supports the project and the focus on new technology as a key lever in the green transition.
Through the project’s activities, students, apprentices and educators will have the opportunity to work hands-on with these technologies and be better equipped to meet the demands and opportunities of the future industrial landscape.
“The project gives future skilled workers hands-on experience with the technologies they will encounter in their working lives – not least in connection with the green transition. The ambition is to strengthen the professional level of students and apprentices while giving companies better opportunities to attract highly skilled workers. At the Tietgefonden, we look forward to seeing how the project can strengthen young people’s opportunities and support the development of an industry that is growing,” says Christine Paludan-Müller, Head of Grants at Tietgenfonden.
About Craft Nation
Craft Nation is a partnership between four of Denmark’s largest vocational colleges: Techcollege, Herningsholm Erhvervsskole & Gymnasier, Syddansk Erhvervsskole and Roskilde Tekniske Skole. The collaboration focuses on strengthening the quality of technical vocational education and training skilled workers with strong technical competences in close cooperation with industry.
About klimaerhvervsskolen Herningsholm Erhvervsskole & Gymnasier
Herningsholm is Denmark’s climate vocational college for sustainable construction and climate-friendly agriculture. As one of the country’s three designated climate vocational colleges, Herningsholm Erhvervsskole & Gymnasier has been appointed by the Danish government to lead the green transition within vocational education, labour market training (AMU) and skills development across the sector. This is achieved through development, knowledge sharing and collaboration across schools and industries – for the benefit of the entire vocational education system.
About Odense Robotics
Odense Robotics is Denmark’s national cluster for robotics, automation and drones. The cluster’s purpose is to support the development and adoption of Danish robotics technology. Odense Robotics offers companies opportunities to develop innovative products and technologies, strengthen their growth potential, gain industry insights and increase visibility. This is achieved through projects, networks and activities – often in close collaboration with a wide range of knowledge partners.
Odense Robotics is co-funded by Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark and the EU.
