Vakscholen

Vakscholen are educational institutions focused on practical training for specific trades and professions. They combine hands-on workshops with theoretical instruction to prepare students for entry into the labor market or for progression within vocational education.

Historically, vakscholen appeared in the Netherlands and the Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium (Flanders) during the industrial era to meet a growing demand for skilled workers. Over time, many vakscholen were integrated into national vocational education systems, and in the Netherlands they are commonly organized within or alongside institutions delivering formal MBO (secondary vocational education) programs.

Curricula typically include trade-specific technical modules, safety and quality standards, and general subjects such as mathematics and language skills. Programs vary in length from one to four years, and many include structured work placements or apprenticeships with employers.

They are distinct from general secondary schooling and from higher education, but they frequently form a bridge to the labor market or to further vocational qualifications. Common trades include carpentry, metalworking, electrical installation, automotive technology, culinary arts, hospitality, healthcare support, hairstyling, and agriculture.

Today, the emphasis in vakscholen is often on dual learning models, industry partnerships, and competency-based credentials recognized across sectors. As vocational education systems modernize, vakscholen are frequently renamed or reorganized as part of broader vocational schools or national MBO/BSO structures, while retaining a focus on practical skills and job-readiness.