A new and neutral helpline is opening to support apprentices in the construction industry, where they can get easy access to help in confidence if they are unhappy or face problems in their training.
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In Denmark, a documentary series called “Bare en lortelærling” (“Just a crap apprentice”) from the national broadcaster DR TV has been shining a light on a reality where some apprentices experience tough language, bullying and unsafe training environments.
Concrete measures are needed, according to the employer and employee organisations.
That is why Lærlingelinjen, a new, neutral helpline, had been created.
It started operating on 4 May and offers easy and confidential help for construction industry apprentices who are unhappy or experience problems during their training.
Lærlingelinjen was set up by the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) and the United Federation of Danish Workers (3F). The helpline is one of several initiatives that have been launched to stop apprentices feeling left out.
“The stories we have been hearing about in the media show there are still training environments where the culture falls short of what’s expected. Lærlingelinjen makes it easy for apprentices to get in touch and get help, and it clearly shows that we take responsibility for following them up.
“Nobody should abandon their training because they feel alone with their problems,” says Signe Philip, DI deputy leader, in a press release.
“Lærlingelinjen lends a helping hand to the individual, but it also sends a clear signal that there will be consequences if rules and responsibilities are not followed,” says Claus von Elling, head of 3Fs Construction Group.
To ensure that apprentices also have the knowledge, language and confidence to seek help, DI and 3F have developed a new certificate-like subject: “Wellbeing and behaviour in the workplace”.
From August 2026, all apprentices doing their foundation course will be taught this subject.
