Denmark’s first international automation technician programme
Odense Robotics has partnered with EUC Syd, GoTo Sønderborg and JKS to establish Denmark’s first international automation technician programme in Sønderborg.
EUC Syd plans to welcome the first 20 international students on 1 August 2025, making them the first international vocational students in Southern Jutland. While the region already offers international nurseries, international schools and a university, there has been no international vocational education option – until now.
Odense Robotics is leading the project, which not only supports the organisation’s ambition to support the industry in securing talent, but also aligns with the region’s ambition to attract more international students to the area.
“At EUC Syd, across our locations in Southern Jutland, we are committed to providing the qualified workforce that companies demand. This means we must approach recruitment for the vocational school differently than we have traditionally.
Therefore, in collaboration with Odense Robotics, we have established a project organisation aimed at launching an international Automation Technician programme in Sønderborg. This initiative serves as both a supplement and a further enhancement of Sønderborg’s growing internationalisation in education and the business environment.” says Dan Zielke, CEO, EUC Syd.
Combining academia and practical training
The programme lasts 4 years and combines academic teaching with hands-on practical training.
At school, apprentices will study electronics, troubleshooting, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics and more. Additionally, subjects such as entrepreneurship, innovation and product development will be covered, along with production, service and safety. As part of their training, the students will learn how to build and repair electrical motors and pneumatic circuits.
JKS is responsible for recruiting international students and is focusing on matching the right candidates with companies.
“Our approach to matching the right candidates with the right apprenticeship companies in the automation technician programme is built on a thorough and value-based process. We conduct interviews and assessments with both the candidates and the company’s contact person. This ensures the best possible match — not only in terms of technical qualifications but also in terms of alignment with the company’s culture and values,” says Heidi Schmidt Degermann, Regional Manager, JKS.
20 new apprenticeship positions
The launch of this vocational programme will create 20 new apprenticeship positions for students – a unique opportunity for local companies to attract highly skilled international talents while contributing to the upskilling of future professionals in robotics and mechanical automation.
Several companies have already expressed interest in taking on apprentices, however, there are still available spots for those companies who also are interested.
The outlook of this project is very promising for integrating students into the many opportunities the region offers.
If you are interested in hearing more about the project, please contact our Business Development Manager, Dennis Svane Christensen dsc@odenserobotics.dk.