Youth and employment

Young people in the Netherlands are obliged to attend school until they are 18 years old, or have achieved a basic qualification. The qualification can be in secondary vocational education (MBO level 2), senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO). The government is actively combating school dropout. There are regulations for under-18s who are working. Unemployed young people receive assistance from central government to find a job.

Restrictions on working under 18

There are restrictions on the types of work young people under the age of 18 years are allowed to do. It must be age-appropriate, and not overly taxing or dangerous. There is also a legal limit on the number of hours they are allowed to work per day. Internships, vacation jobs and part-time work are allowed within these limits.

Technology Pact

In the near future, people with technical skills will be in great demand. The government has signed a technology pact with the education sector, employers and trade unions. It contains practical plans for making technical education more relevant to the labour market.