werkleren

Werkleren is a form of education and training in which participants combine employment with formal schooling to obtain a vocational qualification. It is designed to bridge schooling and the labor market by placing learners in workplaces where they receive on-the-job training while attending classes or completing coursework at a school or training center. The model is used in several countries, most notably in the Netherlands and Belgium, as part of their vocational education and training (VET) systems, and is aligned with European policies promoting work-based learning.

In a typical werkleren arrangement, learners spend part of the week at a company where they perform tasks related to their chosen trade, and part of the week in a school learning theory, safety, and general skills. The exact balance varies by level and program. The training is supervised by both workplace mentors and instructors, and progress is assessed against a national or sector-specific qualification framework. Successful completion leads to a recognized vocational qualification or certificate, sometimes a diploma.

Goals include improving job prospects, easing school-to-work transitions, reducing youth unemployment, and ensuring employers have access to skilled workers. It is often targeted at early school leavers, career switchers, or young people pursuing practical trades.

Criticism centers on variations in quality and supervision, potential exploitation in some placements, and the need for strong partnerships between schools and employers. Proponents argue that werkleren provides relevant skills, real-world experience, and better alignment between training and labor market needs. The approach falls under the broader umbrella of work-based learning and apprenticeships in Europe.