When David joined Terma as an electronics technician apprentice at 16, he already demonstrated a rare combination of technical talent and bold initiative. He was quick to suggest improvements to workflows, propose smarter solutions, and challenge how things had always been done.
One of his ideas was a chemical-free method for producing printed circuit boards using lasers. The solution transformed internal processes and contributed to Terma winning the Innovative Apprenticeship of the Year award in 2023, selected from over 400 nominations.
David himself had nominated Terma for the award, citing the support he received from his colleagues and mentors:
“Being surrounded by colleagues who trust you and take your ideas seriously makes all the difference,” David says. “That mindset gave me the freedom to try something new, and the support to see it through.”
Receiving the Innovative Apprenticeship of the Year award with Brian (left), former apprenticeship supervisor.
Building on that momentum, David soon found himself stepping into the national spotlight
In October 2024, David’s talents were put to the test on the national stage. Competing in the Danish Championship of Young Professionals (DM in Skills). Over the course of one intense day, he assembled and troubleshot complex electronic circuits and simulations, all within strict time limits.
During DM in Skills competition 2024.
With only two hours for each task, David remained focused and calm under pressure. His performance earned him the title of Denmark’s most skilled electronics technician, which was celebrated not only by his team at Terma, but also by astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who awarded him the national prize.
Brian (left), David (middle) and Andreas (right).
That win helped pave the way for David’s next big challenge: representing Denmark at EuroSkills 2025 in Herning this September.
EuroSkills is the largest skills competition in Europe, where over 600 young professionals from 32 countries compete across more than 40 disciplines. This year, Denmark has the honor of hosting, and David will compete on home ground, representing his country in the Electronics category with the same focus and precision that earned him the national title.
“EuroSkills is about precision, innovation, and showing what young professionals can do. I’m proud to be part of it,” David says.
A different kind of training ground
While preparing for the competition, David also began his military service in the Danish Air Force, adding another layer of discipline and physical challenge to his already impressive journey.
Recently, he completed a four-day field exercise that began at 3 a.m. with a surprise deployment call. What followed were long treks in full gear, crawling through cold water, and executing patrols and ambush drills in rugged terrain. When it ended, there was no rest - gear had to be cleaned and ready for inspection by morning.
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Cleaning his equipment after field exercise.
“Training for EuroSkills during military service is a challenge,” David says, “but I make the most of every opportunity. Even small moments matter.”
Despite the demanding schedule, David manages to keep his skills sharp for EuroSkills in September. “When I do find some time, which is not that often, I mainly focus on the mental side of the tasks, like programming and circuit analysis,” he says. “Those are things I can practice with just a computer, without needing any extra hardware”.
Although his available time for technical training has been less than expected, the military environment has offered surprising benefits. “I’ve become much better at notetaking and remembering information,” he says. “I’ve noticed I’m more positive in tough situations, more structured when approaching new tasks, and I feel much less stressed when dealing with tight deadlines.”
He now has less than a month left before returning to Terma, where he will train full-time for three months using state-of-the-art equipment and working alongside experienced colleagues. It’s an opportunity he looks forward to—bringing both the mental strength gained from military service and a renewed focus on the technical precision required for EuroSkills.
His motivation? A desire to keep learning, expand his understanding of the defense domain, and bring even more to his role as an electrical engineer. After completing his military service in June, David will return to Terma, ready to contribute with even broader insight.
“David represents the next generation of engineering excellence,” says his former apprenticeship supervisor, Brian S. Hansen. “He’s passionate, inventive, and always eager to grow. We’re lucky to have him.”
In the months leading up to the competition, David is going through intensive physical and mental preparation, balancing training camps, military duties, and technical refinement. It’s a demanding process that requires focus, resilience, and discipline. We’re proud to support him every step of the way, ensuring he has the time and space to succeed.
Growing, wherever you are
At Terma, we talk a lot about technology with purpose. David lives that idea. Whether he’s developing defense electronics, solving process challenges, or crawling through forests in uniform, he’s doing it with intent, and a drive to keep learning.
We’ve supported David every step of the way because we believe in creating space for ambition. And when that ambition results in innovation, resilience, and national pride, we all win.
👇Follow David’s journey
We’ll be cheering him on at EuroSkills 2025 this September. Until then, stay tuned as we share updates from his preparation and experiences on our social media channels.
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