vmbo

VMBO, short for Voorbereidend Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs, is a form of Dutch secondary education designed to prepare students for vocational education (MBO) and the labor market. It is typically followed by pupils around 12 to 16 years old and lasts four years. The program combines general education with practical training and internships, aiming to develop both academic skills and technical competencies. Graduation from VMBO usually leads to MBO programs, with levels 2 to 4 depending on the track and performance. Some routes also offer pathways toward further general secondary education for those who wish to pursue HAVO or higher.

VMBO is divided into four routes, each offering a different balance of theory and practice: Basisberoepsgerichte leerweg (Basis), which emphasizes practical training with limited theory; Kaderberoepsgerichte leerweg (Kader), which includes more theoretical elements alongside vocational training; Gemengde leerweg (Gemengd), a middle-ground track combining theory and practice; and Theoretische leerweg (Theoretisch/TL), the most theory-focused route with stronger emphasis on subjects like languages and sciences. The TL route generally provides greater access to further study options, including HAVO, while the other tracks feed primarily into various MBO programs.

Historically, VMBO emerged as part of the Dutch modernization of secondary education, replacing earlier LBO and MULO tracks. It remains a central option in the Dutch system, offering diverse pathways to higher vocational qualifications and, for some students, to general secondary education through bridging routes.