HomeDomestic NewsConcern in trade unions over declining applications to welfare education

Concern in trade unions over declining applications to welfare education

Concern in trade unions over declining applications to welfare education programs The latest figures from the Danish University of Applied Sciences show a decrease in the number of first-priority applications to welfare education programs, which raises concerns in several trade unions. While the nursing program experiences a modest increase of one percent, it looks different for the teacher, educator, and social worker programs, which have collectively experienced a six percent drop in applications since last year.

Particularly, the educator program is severely affected with a ten percent decrease. Eisa Rimpler, president of Bupl – the Union of Child and Youth Educators, expresses deep concern over the development and warns of the consequences for the quality in daycare centers. “The declining number of applicants is a ticking time bomb for the quality in our institutions. We have been warning about it for years, and now politicians simply must take action,” says Eisa Rimpler.

The teacher education program has experienced a seven percent drop in applications, while the social worker program has had six percent fewer applicants compared to last year. This trend is not new; already in 2015, the number of applicants to the four major welfare education programs began to decline significantly. Back then, 18,474 people applied for these programs, while this year the number is down to 11,873 – a total decrease of 36 percent.

Although the nursing program has seen a small increase in the number of applicants this year, it is still far from the level in 2015. Back then, 5,651 individuals applied, while this year it is 3,584. However, the teacher education program has managed to maintain a relatively stable level. In 2015, 2,771 applied for the program, while this year the number is 2,387 – here, too, a total decrease of 36 percent is observed.

The declining interest in welfare education programs is not limited to these specific fields alone. All University of Applied Sciences in Denmark have experienced an overall decline in the number of applicants. In 2015, there were 33,506 applicants to University of Applied Sciences, while the number for 2024 is 22,913. Some programs, such as radiographers and biomedical analysts, have, however, experienced an increase of eight and six percent respectively.

The trade unions urge politicians to take action to reverse the trend and ensure a steady influx of students to welfare education programs, so that the quality in public institutions can be maintained.

Read the danish version here

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