startbaan

Startbaan is a Dutch term that refers to an entry-level, or first paid, job after leaving school or completing higher education. The word combines start and baan (job or career path), signaling the initial stage of a professional career. In practice, a startbaan typically requires little prior professional experience and often includes on-the-job training, mentorship, or a structured development plan.

Startbanen are common across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, logistics, administration, and manufacturing, and they can be full-time or part-time. They are frequently linked to pathways such as traineeships, apprenticeships, or transitions from internships to permanent positions. The concept is used to help job seekers gain practical skills, build a relevant CV, and move toward more permanent roles with greater responsibility and earnings.

In public discourse and employment practice, startbanen are sometimes described as instapbanen, instapfuncties, or startersbanen, depending on regional and organizational preferences. They are viewed as instruments to reduce youth unemployment and to facilitate the transition from education to work. Critics point out that some startbanen may involve precarious contracts, low wages, or limited progression opportunities unless a clear path to longer-term roles is provided. Therefore, effective startbanen often include explicit training components and opportunities for advancement.

Etymology-wise, the term derives from Dutch, with start meaning beginning and baan meaning job or career path. The concept exists primarily in Dutch-speaking regions and is related to, but distinct from, internships, apprenticeships, and general entry-level roles.