Types of institution

Vocational Upper Secondary education (MBO) in the Netherlands has a threefold teaching goal. Students learn competences, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen occupation, and are prepared for further education and for their role as members of the community. A wide range of courses are offered at four different levels of training: level 1 courses provide training to entry level, level 2 courses offer basic vocational training leading to a basic qualification, level 3 courses provide professional training and level 4 courses offer middle-management. Admission requirements apply for courses from level 2 upwards.

The levels can be categorised as follows according to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED):

1. Training to entry level (level 1; EQF level 1, ISCED 2011 level 2)

Courses at this level have a duration of one year and are intended for young people who did not obtain a certificate in previous training or education. The courses prepare students for the labour market, or enable them to progress to an MBO level 2 course.

1. Basic vocational training (level 2; EQF level 2, ISCED 2011 level 3)

Courses at this level have a duration of one to two years, and train students for practical occupations such as hairdresser or mechanic. Admission requirements: completion of a basic vocational programme in pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO).

1. Professional training (level 3; EQF level 3, ISCED 2011 level 3)

These courses have a duration of two to three years. Students learn to carry out various tasks independently in their chosen occupational field, for example as a nursing assistant or head mechanic. Admission requirements: completion of the theoretical, combined or middle-management vocational programme in VMBO, or successful completion of the first three years of senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO).

1. Middle-management training (level 4; EQF level 4, ISCED 2011 level 3)

These courses have a duration of three to four years. Students learn to carry out all tasks relating to their chosen occupation independently. Examples of jobs include store manager or rehabilitation technician. Students who successfully complete their course can go on to higher professional education (HBO). Admission requirements: completion of the theoretical, combined or middle-management vocational programme in VMBO, or completion of the first three years of senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO).

Besides these four training levels, MBO schools also offer one-year specialist training for students who have completed an MBO 3 course.

There are different types of vet institutions. The sector currently comprises:

42 regional, multisectoral VET colleges (ROCs):

• Regional training centres (ROCs) offer a complete range of vocational education and training courses for initial students and adults, both full-time and part-time. This combined approach serves to strengthen the institutional and curricular cohesion.
• ROC’s have a student population of up to 20,000 students.
• Some ROCs also provide basic skills education and training, and general secondary level. Students who obtain a general secondary education certificate can go on to secondary vocational or higher education.

10 agricultural training centres (AOCs):

• These centres of ‘green’ education and training amongst others provide degrees in food, nature and the environment. They often have a VMBO section and maintain close ties with institutions for higher agricultural education.
• The average student population of an AOC is 2,000.

11 specialist colleges:

• These provide education and training in a specific occupational field in a specific vocational sector.

The MBO Raad (Association of VET Colleges) is the umbrella organisation for all types of publicly funded VET colleges. Besides public-funded institutions, there are also private institutions that offer training and education at MBO level. These institutions are represented by the Dutch Council for Training and Education (NRTO). Some private institutions are licensed to offer accredited courses and qualifications.

Geographical spread

No legislation exists on the geographical spread of institutions for adult and vocational education.

Admission requirements and choice of school

Each level of vocational upper secondary education (MBO) has its own admission requirements. The four levels are described above.

Admission requirements for training to entry level (MBO level 1)

• The student does not meet the admission requirements for MBO levels 2, 3 or 4.
• The student is at least 16 years old on 1 August of the year of enrolment.

Admission requirements for basic vocational training (level 2)

New admission requirements for basic vocational training were introduced on 1 August 2014, as follows

The student must hold a diploma in:

• junior secondary vocational education (LBO)
• pre-vocational education (VBO)
• junior general secondary education (MAVO), or
• pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO); or
• the student can prove that they have completed the first three years of senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO); or
• the student holds a certificate or other official document recognised by the government on the basis of a ministerial order;
• the student has completed training to entry level for the same occupation or area of work.

Admission requirements for professional training (level 3) and middle-management training (level 4)

The admission requirements are essentially the same as for MBO level 2:

The student must hold a diploma in either:

• junior secondary vocational education (LBO)
• pre-vocational education (VBO)
• junior general secondary education (MAVO), or
• pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO); or
• the student can prove that they have successfully completed the first three years of senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO); or
• the student holds a certificate or other official document recognised by the government on the basis of a ministerial order.

Admission requirements for specialist training (level 4)

• The student has obtained a diploma at level 3 in the same occupation or area of work.

Students with a level 4 diploma can go on to higher professional education, where they can study for an associate degree (AD) or bachelor’s degree.

Students aged over 21 with a level 3 diploma may be admitted to a course of higher professional education at the discretion of the HBO institution concerned. The student may be asked to sit an entrance examination.

Grouping students

No specific rules apply to the way students are grouped in vocational upper secondary education.

VET colleges are responsible for admissions policy

Under the Adult and Vocational Education Act (WEB), schools are responsible for their own admissions policy. A school may make an exception and admit a student who does not satisfy the admission requirements. However, the school must be confident that the student in question will be able to complete the course successfully.

Working and learning

MBO students combine classroom learning with practical training. They can choose one of two learning pathways:

• In the school-based pathway (BOL), students spend most of their time in school.
• In the work-based pathway (BBL), students are employed by a company and go to school one or two days a week. As of the 2015/2016 school year, MBOs may, as a trial, offer a combined pathway in which students attend classes in the first half of the course, and do a work placement in the second half.

Timetable

MBO students are expected to spend 1,600 hours a year on their studies. The number of course hours depends on the learning pathway.

• Breakdown of BBL course hours
  • The school year must comprise at least 850 course hours: at least 200 taught hours at school and at least 610 hours of practical training in the workplace.
  • The remaining 40 hours may be either taught hours or practical training.
• Breakdown of BOL course hours
  • The total number of hours depends on the course. The table below gives the minimum number of taught hours and the minimum hours of practical training required by law.
  • The first year of any BOL course at levels 2, 3 or 4 must comprise at least 700 taught hours. This is to ensure that students get enough classroom instruction in their first year.

Breakdown of BOL course hours

The competent authority may give permission for a course with fewer hours than set out above, provided the relevant quality requirements are satisfied.

The SBB: linking up vocational education and the world of work

Until 1 August 2015, the Centres of Expertise on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (KBBs) formed the link between the vocational education sector and trade and industry associations. Organised by sector, their managing boards comprised representatives of employers and employees, and in most cases, educational institutions.

As of 1 August 2015, the KBBs’ statutory tasks and role were transferred to the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB). The Foundation is a collaborative venture between secondary vocational education and trade and industry associations. It is responsible for developing a clear qualification framework, and ensuring that the knowledge and skills taught at MBO are in line with developments in the world of work. The SBB also monitors the quality of student assessment and ensures sufficient work placements.

Finally, based on an assessment of specific criteria, the SBB authorises companies or organisations for practical training. Authorised companies are entered in the SBB’s work placement company register.