16-01-2026 In November 2025, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, together with two other ministries, developed a two-year paid traineeship exclusively for graduates of VET programmes. By bringing VET graduates’ practical knowledge, experience and perspectives into central government, the ministries aim to enhance the quality of policymaking. At the same time, the programme offers VET graduates access to career opportunities in a way that was previously only open to HE graduates
In total, 10 traineeships are available in this pilot. Trainees are employed for 32 or 36 hours per week and receive a salary. After successful completion, they may continue working within the ministry. Eligibility is limited to graduates who completed an EQF level 4 VET programme within the past four years.
Over the two-year programme, they work in three different departments, supported by continuous personal guidance, allowing trainees to discover what they like and which skills they want to develop. During the traineeship, trainees may perform tasks such as:
- conducting interviews with stakeholders;
- assisting in preparing debates or in answering parliamentary questions;
- organising meetings and events;
- contributing to communication materials
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ReferNet Netherlands, & Cedefop (2026, January 16). Netherlands: career opportunities for VET graduates at Dutch central government. National news on VET
Each year ECBO, as partner in the ReferNet network, published three articles to inform European partners on VET news in the Netherlands.