Primary and secondary education in Drenthe collaborate to improve connections between education and the labor market
The Provincial Executive has allocated €150,000 for the Student Transport Career Learning Drenthe project for a period of three years. The subsidy is intended to reimburse the transportation costs of students so they can gain practical experience at companies and educational institutions in the region. All Drenthe primary schools, vocational secondary schools (vmbo), and practical education schools participate in the project, under the leadership of the Stad & Esch school community.
Investing in future Drenthe talent
“By introducing students early to Drenthe companies and educational institutions, we increase their chances of finding a job and retain talented young people in our province,” says Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen. “We are investing in the future of our youth and in the collaboration between education and the labor market.”
Learning in practice
With this support, schools can better guide their students in making suitable study choices. Thanks to the provincial contribution, more students can gain practical experience and discover which profession or sector suits them. This reduces the risk of student dropout and strengthens equal opportunities for students. Peter de Visser, director of Stad & Esch, is connected to Drenthe Development and Innovation (DOEI). Under this name, all Drenthe vmbo schools collaborate on stronger technical education. “It is essential for students to get a taste of their future,” says De Visser. “You learn it at school, experience it at the company, and together you discover what you want and can do.”
Professions of the future
The project specifically focuses on professions of the future and is intended for all students at primary schools, vmbo schools, and practical education. Young people get to know sectors where there will be a great demand for personnel in the coming years, such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and digital innovation.
Follow-up
The Student Transport Career Learning Drenthe project runs from the school years 2025 to 2028. Implementation has been ongoing since the start of the 2025–2026 school year. It is expected that 15,000 students across the province will benefit from the scheme.
