It’s a commitment that’s getting noticed. In Denmark, the ABENA production facility is currently in the running for the title of Apprenticeship Workplace of the Year, following a nomination by a former apprentice.
Presented by the Association of Danish Vocational Schools and Upper Secondary Schools, the national award recognizes an outstanding contribution to the professional and personal development of apprentices and trainees.
ABENA Produktion is one of three finalists selected from several hundred candidate companies. The award winner will be announced at an event in Copenhagen next week. Trine Bjerg Rossen, HR consultant at ABENA Produktion welcomes the nomination as a strong affirmation of the collaborative training culture.
“We rely on competent colleagues to keep our production lines running efficiently with minimum downtime. So it’s essential that we ensure a motivating learning environment for our apprentices,” she explains.
“That’s why we’re so delighted to reach the final three for this award. It doesn’t just recognize our way of working. What’s extra special is that we were nominated by one of our own people, who has really thrived in the positive team spirit we have here.”
Presented by the Association of Danish Vocational Schools and Upper Secondary Schools, the national award recognizes an outstanding contribution to the professional and personal development of apprentices and trainees.
ABENA Produktion is one of three finalists selected from several hundred candidate companies. The award winner will be announced at an event in Copenhagen next week. Trine Bjerg Rossen, HR consultant at ABENA Produktion welcomes the nomination as a strong affirmation of the collaborative training culture.
“We rely on competent colleagues to keep our production lines running efficiently with minimum downtime. So it’s essential that we ensure a motivating learning environment for our apprentices,” she explains.
“That’s why we’re so delighted to reach the final three for this award. It doesn’t just recognize our way of working. What’s extra special is that we were nominated by one of our own people, who has really thrived in the positive team spirit we have here.”
Great colleagues from day one
The colleague behind the nomination is Viorel Popa, who completed his machine operator apprenticeship this summer.
It was not the first time Viorel had proposed his workplace for an award. In 2025, he successfully nominated the production facility for the local Apprenticeship Company of the Year title at EUC Lillebælt – the vocational training center where he learned the theoretical side of his job.
“Right from the beginning of my apprenticeship, I felt included and valued by all my colleagues. They taught me not only about the machines but also about being part of a workplace where respect and trust are basic values,” he says.
Today Viorel has gained more responsibility as a qualified machine operator at ABENA Produktion. But he still remembers how it felt to be the newest member of the team.
“Now when new colleagues start, I do the same for them as my colleagues did for me. I explain things calmly and make sure they understand.”
“Right from the beginning of my apprenticeship, I felt included and valued by all my colleagues. They taught me not only about the machines but also about being part of a workplace where respect and trust are basic values,” he says.
Today Viorel has gained more responsibility as a qualified machine operator at ABENA Produktion. But he still remembers how it felt to be the newest member of the team.
“Now when new colleagues start, I do the same for them as my colleagues did for me. I explain things calmly and make sure they understand.”