08-07-2025 In a new six-part television documentary, VET nursing students share their experiences from the first two years of healthcare training. This documentary has sparked a petition advocating for mandatory internship fees for VET students – an initiative that may increase young people’s interest in pursuing careers in healthcare.
A new, six-part documentary follows seven VET nursing students during the first two years of their training programme. The documentary presents a realistic image of working in the healthcare sector. The students learn to overcome personal barriers – such as washing patients – and to set boundaries when caring for confused or aggressive patients. Despite these difficult moments, the documentary also highlights the positivity and gratitude that are deeply present in the healthcare sector.
The broadcasters of the documentary launched a petition that aims to persuade the government to introduce a compulsory minimum internship fee for all students. Only 59% of VET students currently receive a fee during their internships. The documentary and the ensuing petition can be regarded as important steps towards increasing the attractiveness of the healthcare sector and VET in general.
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- Cedefop (2025). Netherlands: documentary and petition aim to boost VET student interest in healthcare
Each year ECBO, as partner in the ReferNet network, published three articles to inform European partners on VET news in the Netherlands.