Changing the world: Trainee by trainee

• About the Programme
• It’s not only about studying!
• Facilities at Folkecenter

• Facilities around Folkecenter
• What Folkecenter Expects from You
• Application Procedure

• Trainee Contract
• Directions
• Meet the Trainees
• Internship positions (suggestions)

About the Programme

The general aim of the trainee programme is to provide knowledge about a variety of aspects within renewable energies, both from the technical and the socio-economic profile. The programme is developed around the trainee, meaning that there is not a standard path, but it is a more individual process which is carried in cooperation with the trainee, focusing on his needs and requests. Folkecenter helps defining the path and can also provide suggestions on which projects to be undertaken, but self-initiative is highly appreciated. In the event that the trainee already has a specific interest or topic he would like to focus on, it is highly recommended to mention it when applying for the position. The request will be evaluated and can undergo some modifications, based on Folkecenter’s needs at the moment, but it will always be a result of a discussion between the center and the trainee.

Depending on the students’ interest and on the center’s availability at the moment, it is possible to focus on most of the renewable energy fields. The philosophy of Folkecenter is to learn by doing, so trainees have the chance to make their experiments on real-life installations and technologies which are present at the Village for Green Research, where Folkecenter is located. Alternatively, desk researches can also be carried out, thanks to the large availability of relevant scientific material present at the center.

Researches and experiments are carried out in the project form: you will be supervised by experienced people during the process, who will assist you in your path towards renewable energy knowledge. However, due to limited resources, the trainee should not expect a constant presence of the supervisor.

During his stay at Folkecenter, the trainee will also take part in study trips to renewable energy installations located in the surroundings of the center and there will also be participation in conferences held at Folkecenter. In some occasions, the trainee might be requested to present the work done at events, which will be an important feature for the personal curriculum.

It’s not only about studying!

Although important for the trainee’s future (or present) career, studying is not the only activity you will undergo at Folkecenter. We like to believe that our programme is not only forming people knowledge-wise, but that it is also a training for life: all the people who visit us will remember the experience for the whole life and they will radically change their way of seeing energy and living with the others.

The programme has, through the years, hosted people from all over the world: multiculturality is a key word for Folkecenter, and a requirement at the same time: when planning to spend a period here, you will need to take into account that you will meet, work and live with people of different genders, ideas, religions and cultural backgrounds: all are welcome in Folkecenter and all should be treated with the same respect as you one would expect for himself. After a period here, you will not talk anymore about “foreigners”, but about “family”.

As it can be seen from maps, Folkecenter is located in the countryside, therefore you should not expect the same nightlife as in big cities. Don’t worry though! Living together means also that you have much more opportunities to socialize and spend the time together. Bike trips, dancing and singing evenings, road trips or just visits to the nearby cities will enrich your experience and will make you become part of Folkecenter’s big family.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in Folkecenter’s facilities for the entire duration of your stay, therefore you should not worry and search for accommodation outside. You will have your own room and will share the other facilities (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.). The room is fully equipped and the welcoming package includes also bedlinen and a towel. Cleaning of the bathrooms will be done weekly, on a rotational basis, meaning that each trainee will have a turn.

The monthly rent is 1500 DKK, which should be paid at the end of the month. It is possible to pay the amount by bank transfer, mobile pay or cash. Please note that it is not possible to pay with credit/debit cards.

Free Time

Wi-fi is available throughout the building and a proper behaviour regarding that is expected. The trainee will be held responsible for any misuse of the net.

Folkecenter is equipped with a library, with books and magazines in different languages, where also the TV and a static bike can be found. Some instruments are also available, for those trainees interested in music.

The location of Folkecenter makes it ideal for outdoor sports: runners and cyclists will find many nice routes in the surroundings. As it can be seen from the pictures, the Limfjord is very close to Folkecenter and it does not take more than 15 minutes by foot to reach it. The proximity to the North Sea (20 km circa) and to the THY National Park make it ideal for those interested in surfing (Cold Hawaii) or walking in the nature.

Kitchen

Kitchen facilities and tools are shared among all the people living in the center. It is requested that the trainees pay 65 Dkk/day for board. Unlikely the accommodation, which is fixed, food is paid only based on the days the trainee has been here. It is the trainee’s responsibility to keep the account of days, which will need to be communicated to the staff when paying. Payment is done the same day as the payment for accommodation, but unlikely the accommodation only cash is accepted. This policy is due to the fact that the money goes in a common box, which is used when shopping.

Breakfast and lunch are “self-service”, so the trainee decides what to eat and prepares it himself using the goods available in the kitchen. Dinner is in common (normally around 19.00) and, to keep the price to an acceptable level, it is requested to the trainees to take turns in cooking: every day one (or more) persons will cook for all the others. National specialties are highly appreciated.

Car

Trainees are welcome to bring their own car (please, check the regulations with the authorities), but some vehicles are also available at the center. Although they should not be considered as granted, these cars can be used both for private (e.g. excursions) and work trips (requests from Folkecenter). Private trips are charged 1 Dkk/km, which includes already the fuel. A list is available in the car and should be filled when someone drives the vehicle. Please, check that your driving licence is valid for driving in Denmark (sometimes non-european citizens can have limitations in driving).

Bikes

There is a number of bikes, both electric and normal, which can be used by the trainees. You will be introduced on how to use the electric models (and how to take care of them) upon your arrival.

Most of electric bikes available in Folkecenter can be found in the dedicated brochure.

Who Can Apply?

Everyone is welcome at Folkecenter! Whether you are a student or an experienced professional, there will always be good willingness to welcome you.

How to Apply?

The trainee programme runs all over the year, so the trainee can select the preferred period, provided that there is availability of rooms. To apply, please send an e-mail to Daniele Pagani (dp@folkecenter.dk) with a signed copy of the trainee’s contract, your CV and cover letter, where you should explain why you would like to come to Folkecenter, in which period, for how long and on what would you like to focus. In case you do not receive any answer within two weeks, please contact us again.

Once your application is approved, we can help you with the relevant documents (invitation letter, learning agreements, etc.). Please, be aware that no help will be provided before the trainee contract is signed.

For any further questions you might have, you are always welcome to contact the internship coordinator, Daniele Pagani (dp@folkecenter.dk).

By Car

Regardless of the origin of your trip, you would need to approach to Thisted (if coming from North) or to Struer (any other origin), and then follow road A11 up to Ydby. Folkecenter is outside the main road, but there are indication on where to turn (distance from the main road: less than 1 km).

In case you have a GPS, you can insert the following coordinates: 56°41’38.6″N 8°24’49.9″E

By Train

Every hour Intercity trains with travelling time of 4½ hours depart from Copenhagen Airport (CPH), and Copenhagen Central station to Struer, 30 km from Folkecenter with transfer to Ydby (2 km from Folkecenter).

Twice a day Intercity trains (ICL) depart from Copenhagen Airport to Thisted. All DSB trains stop in Ydby, but if you are travelling with Arriva trains (the green ones), please remember to press STOP when approaching the station YDBY (previous stop: Lyngs). The train will not stop unless the station is booked.

Train tickets can be purchased from DSB in the airport arrival hall or online. In case of the second option, please, remember to print your ticket (or have it in digital version on your smartphone/tablet). The destination of your ticket should be YDBY.

In Copenhagen airport trains depart right below the ticket sales outlet. Guests will be collected at the Ydby railway station upon arrival. Call us at +45 9795 6600 (office hours) for organizing the pick-up.

Be aware that some trains split in Vejle. Take the train in the direction of Struer or Thisted. For train schedules you can check:

• German Railways, DB (www.bahn.de)
• Danish Railways, DSB (www.dsb.dk)
• The local train company, Arriva (https://arriva.dk/)
• The Danish trip planner, Rejseplanen (www.rejseplanen.dk)