Training in the Food and Beverages Sector in Denmark. Report for the FORCE Programme.

A study of the food sector in Denmark was limited to the slaughterhouse, dairy, beverages sectors. The food sector was the most important single industry in the Danish economy. It was the largest manufacturing sector, generated one-third of total manufacturing, and comprised approximately 8 percent of the total Danish gross domestic product. It was a very heterogeneous sector predominantly made up of large companies. With no legal requirement for continuing training under Danish law, a tradition developed over the years with regard to initial and continuing training that was based solely on voluntary agreements between management and work force. The main principle of all vocational training was that the state made resources available in its budget. The chosen strategic course that aims to establish a customer-supplier relationship with foreign food companies by providing a high level of market readiness regarding quality, taste, appearance, and packaging of primary products would require the Danish food sector's product development efforts to be strengthened. The strategy would require the improvement of a number of commercial skills (languages, selling, marketing, and intercultural activities) in programs with a distinct European base. Four companies were involved in case studies: Loven Petfood A/S, Nr. Vium Mejeri, Carlsberg A/S, and Steff/Houlberg. Each case study described the company, continuing vocational training, specific training programs, and training assessment. (YLB)