Internships and wage subsidies
During your time in the jobcenter, you will at some point have start one or more business-oriented courses or activation offers. These activities will for most unemployed academics be in the form of an internship or a wage subsidy at either public or private companies.
What are internships and wage subsidies?
An internship is a short work experience where you work in a private company or public organization for a limited period of time. During an internship, you do not receive a salary, but continue to receive unemployment benefits and continue your job search.
If you are employed with a wage subsidy, you will be employed for a longer period of time in a company. The company receives a subsidy to pay your salary. If you are employed by a private company, you will receive a salary. If you are employed in the public sector, you will also receive a salary, but you will be paid the same amount as you receive in unemployment benefits. You also have the opportunity to receive pension and holiday allowance, depending on the collective agreement you are employed under. During a wage subsidy, you continue to apply for jobs, and you will still have meetings with the jobcenter.
FAQ: Practical information on internships and wage subsidies
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When can I start in an internship?
You are eligible for an internship from your first day of unemployment. You can start the internship as soon as it is approved by the Jobcenter and is registered in "My Plan" on Jobnet.
It is possible to have more than one internship, if you are interested in this.
When can I start in wage subsidy (løntilskud)?
You are eligible for a wage subsidy after 26 weeks (half a year) of unemployment.
You can start the wage subsidy as soon as it is approved by the Jobcenter and is registered in "My Plan" on Jobnet.
However, if you are a sole provider/single parent, or age 50 and over, or covered by the ice breaker programme, isbryderordning (website in Danish), you are eligible for wage subsidy from your first day of unemployment.
For what period of time can I do an internship or wage subsidy?
The length of an internship
An internship usually lasts up to 4 weeks.
The length of a wage subsidy
If you are hired in wage subsidy in the private sector, the employment typically lasts between 3-6 months. In the public sector, the employment typically lasts 4 months.
How many times can I be in an internship or wage subsidy?
In principle, there is no limit on how many times you can be on an internship or wage subsidy, if it makes sense for your job search.
Several internships at the same company
If you want to have several internships at the same company, you must significantly alter your working assignments and your work title for each internship.
In addition, the company must apply for a new internship instead of an extension, as one internship can only last a maximum of 4 weeks.
How do I get an internship, or a wage subsidy approved?
If you have made an agreement with a company for an internship or wage subsidy. You can start the wage subsidy as soon as it is approved by the Jobcenter and is registered in "My Plan" on Jobnet.
In order to get the internship or wage subsidy approved, the company must apply through www.vitas.bm.dk.
Applications will be processed as soon as possible. However, if the application is incomplete or the Jobcenter is experiencing a specifically busy time due to the number of applicants, it may take a little longer.
The Jobcenter will call you
You will receive a call from the Jobcenter as part of the follow up procedure, in order to discuss the intent of the internship. Here you must remember that the Jobcenter calls from an unknown number. Shortly after the call, you will receive an updated "My Plan" on Jobnet, when the application is approved.
Learn how to make an internship or wage subsidy agreement with the company
Can I get an exemption from doing business-oriented activities such as internships or wage subsidies?
The general rule is that you cannot be exempted from doing business-oriented activities, regardless of your individual situation. It is a legal requirement that you must do such activities during your unemployment benefit period (when you receive ‘dagpenge’).
The only exception is if you are on your way to a full-time job or if you have a part-time job of more than 20 hours per week. In these cases, you can apply for an exemption from the requirement.
How can I find an internship or wage subsidy?
There are typically two paths to internships or wage subsidies: You find a company yourself, or you apply for a position through the Jobcenter.
On the page 'All about internships' you will find 5 steps with methods, tools and templates on how to find an internship yourself. All the different tips can also be used to find wage subsidies.
Opportunities at the Jobcenter
The Jobcenter is in constant contact with many of companies, looking for candidates for both internships, wage subsidies and regular positions. These are typically positions, that you will not find anywhere else, and therefore the competition is smaller.
You will be contacted via Digital Post or by phone if we find a good match.
You can see current job postings on Jobforum or on the boards of the Jobcenter.
How do I get taken into consideration for the positions, which the Jobcenter recruits for?
Make sure your information on Jobnet and CV is filled out with as much detail as possible. We use the Jobnet information to match relevant candidates for jobs, internships and wage subsidies. These are typically positions, that you will not find anywhere else, and therefore the competition is smaller.