Dutch VET
Dutch vocational education and training
Secondary vocational education and training (VET) has an important role in preparing Dutch young people from the age 16 to 20 for the labour market. This educational sector provides education to about 60% of all youngsters in secondary education and offers them a wide range of courses in various levels running from the assistant level to middle management level. VET courses can be taken at four levels and range from six months to four years. Graduating fourth year students can progress to higher professional education.
VET courses include four sectors: agriculture, engineering and technology, economics, and health and social care and are organised by the VET colleges. Vocational education and training in the sectors agriculture, natural environment and food technology is provided by agricultural training centres.
Much freedom is left to the VET colleges and therefore methods, priorities and orientation can vary a lot, according to the type of college or the geo-economic characteristics of the region. E.g. some VET colleges have a strong international focus and are very active in facilitating foreign work placements for their students.
Further information: www.nlnrp.nl
Brochure of the Dutch competence based qualifications structure for the labour market (2010):
VET and the role of workplacement
An important aspect of Dutch vocational education and training (VET) is the practical approach and the strong relation between education and the labour market. Periods of work placement in a company are an integrated part of the courses and can take up to 60% of the whole training period. During a work placement students carry out all types of activities that are related to their course and prepare them for their future profession. It offers the student the opportunity to work with real problems in a genuine working environment and to assess their own competence. For Dutch students the work placement has to be carried out in a company that has been accredited by one of the Dutch Centres of Expertise on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market.
For more information: Download a general folder of Colo and the Centres of Expertise or visit www.colo.nl.