leerwerktrajects

Leerwerktrajects are a form of vocational education and training in the Netherlands that blend on-the-job learning with classroom instruction to obtain a recognized qualification. They are designed to bridge education and the labor market by giving learners practical, job-related skills while they complete a formal credential.

Structure and participants

A leerwerktraject typically combines time at a host employer with formal education at a training provider or school. Learners work under the supervision of a workplace mentor while attending theory classes and completing assignments. The program is often tailored to sector needs and may involve a contract between the learner, the school, and the employer. Participants can include school-leavers, job seekers, or adults upskilling to enter or re-enter the labor market.

Duration and outcomes

Leerwerktrajects vary in length, commonly ranging from several months up to about two years, and are aligned with MBO qualification levels 2 through 4. Upon successful completion, learners earn a recognized vocational qualification and typically improve their employability. Many graduates transition to regular employment with the host company or another employer.

Funding and governance

Public funding and subsidies support leerwerktrajects, with partnerships organized by vocational education bodies and employers. In the Netherlands, organizations such as SBB (Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven) play a coordinating role to align training with labor market needs. The approach emphasizes collaboration among schools, training providers, and industry to deliver sector-relevant skills.

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