Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf of Education is concerned about this development and has come up with an attack plan to combat the increase in the number of school leavers.
Improving labor market
Over the past ten years, the number of students leaving MBO without a diploma has remained about the same. Around 25,000 students left the program each year. But last year there was a sudden increase and that worries the minister.
Dijkgraaf: “There are a number of reasons for this. The after-effects of corona. And also the improving labor market. When people start working before they have completed their education. But that really has to stop.”
Students must understand the importance of a diploma. Dijkgraaf: “If the economic climate changes, it is important that you have a diploma.”
175 million investment
That is why the minister is taking measures. He will structurally invest 175 million in MBO level 2, the basic vocational training, where there are many dropouts. With this money, the schools can offer more intensive guidance to these students and the students can be taught in smaller groups.
In addition, there will be better guidance for students who want to switch programs with the help of transfer coaches. The students can ask these coaches for advice. In addition, there will also be more help for students with psychological or financial problems.
The minister emphasizes that MBO students are desperately needed in society, and that it is therefore important to offer them all the support they need.
“We live in a time when we are crying out for professionals, for example in the energy transition and in healthcare. So we really can’t waste any talent.”
