Educational system in the Netherlands
Education is obligatory from the age of 5 until the age of 18. After eight years of education, at the age of 12, the pupil finishes its primary education. Based on the score of a general test and the advice of the primary school teacher, the pupil either starts at the level of general secondary education, lasting 5 to 6 years or he begins with preparatory VET, lasting 4 years. Preparatory VET leads to senior secondary vocational education (mbo).
Senior secondary vocational education and training
The senior secondary vocational programme has four levels of education:
- Level 1: assistant training
- Level 2: basic vocational training
- Level 3: professional training
- Level 4: middle-management or specialist training
Learning pathways
Each level may be accessed via two learning pathways: training-on-the-job and the school-based option. Both pathways lead to the same diploma. The main difference between these routes is the amount of time a student spends on practical training at the work placement company and the amount of time spent in school.
- The school-based pathway: the percentage of work placement is between 20% and 60 %. The student will receive a small remuneration while he is following his work placement. The student has a work placement contract.
- The training-on-the-job pathway: a student works 4 days a week at a work placement company and follows 1 day of theoretical education per week. The student receives an official labour contract and salary.
Organisation of senior secondary VET
The Netherlands has a decentralised educational system, implying that VET schools and Centres of Expertise operate relatively autonomously. The Ministry of Education only sets the ground rules. Centres of Expertise are responsible for the development of the qualifications structure that serves as a basis for senior secondary VET education curricula. The VET schools are responsible for the implementation of these qualifications within the schools.
There are three types of VET schools in the Netherlands (agricultural colleges, regular VET colleges and specialised colleges) offering education to over 500.000 regular VET students. 17 Centres of Expertise are responsible for the development and maintenance of qualification files.
Here you can find a scheme of the Dutch educational system and the position of senior secondary vocational education and training (VET) within it.