Netherlands: documentary and petition aim to boost VET student interest in healthcare

2025 documentary on VET students’ experiences during nursing training

The Dutch healthcare sector, like in many other in Europe, faces several challenges, including staff shortages and increasing pressure on care due to an ageing population. A new, six-part documentary follows seven VET nursing students during the first two years of their training programme. It was broadcast on national public television in April and May 2025, and all episodes remain available online.

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. They experience grief, not only when supporting patients who have lost loved ones, but also when saying goodbye to patients with whom they have formed a personal bond.

Despite these difficult moments, the documentary also highlights the positivity and gratitude that are deeply present in the healthcare sector. These moments are shown to make the work worthwhile for professionals. Clients and patients appreciate the care provided by the young students, and are happy to chat and share memories and experiences. The documentary shows the students growing both as professionals and as individuals.

Petition for compulsory minimum internship fee for VET students

The broadcasters of the documentary launched a petition that aims to persuade the government to introduce a compulsory minimum internship fee for all students. 81% of VET students work alongside their VET training programme, which includes mandatory internships (CBS, 2023). However, only 59% of VET students receive a fee during these internships. The amount varies between sectors, ranging from EUR 150 to EUR 330 per month (Veldman et al., 2024).

Performance pressure and financial stress among VET students are high, and these stressors lead to students dropping out and/or leaving VET altogether without a diploma. Dropout rates for first-year VET nursing students are 18% (CBS, 2022), which is worrying. Moreover, over the years, the number of first-year VET nursing students has been declining (CBS, 2024).

Attracting aspiring students to VET nursing programmes

Given the challenges in the healthcare sector – such as increasing pressure on care, staff shortages, student dropout, and declining student numbers – it is vital to attract more young aspiring healthcare professionals. The documentary provides a realistic image of working in the healthcare sector, which may persuade some young people to choose a career in healthcare. In addition, it may help set more realistic expectations of working in healthcare, and thereby reduce student dropout for nursing programmes, as aspiring students may be better informed when deciding on their VET programme. The petition may also increase young people’s interest in pursuing a VET programme, as it targets VET as a whole, not just healthcare students. This documentary and the ensuing petition can be regarded as important steps towards increasing the attractiveness of the healthcare sector and VET in general.

Read more

• YouTube playlist – VET nursing students’ documentary
• Petition: introduce mandatory minimum internship fees for VET students
• Veldman, J., de Boer, T.,  de Moor, G., Tossaint, E., Prevoo, T., Gort Mphil, R., & Roozendaal, W. (2024). Verkennend Onderzoek Minimumstagevergoeding [Exploratory Study Minimum Internship fee]. Dialogic/ SEO/ VU.
• CBS (2022). Minder studieuitval in opleidingen in zorg en welzijn [Lower drop-out rates in healthcare-related VET programmes]. CBS.
• CBS (2023). Scholieren voortgezet onderwijs werkten derde kwartaal 11 uur per week [VET students worked 11 hours per week in Q3]. CBS. 

• CBS (2024). Minder nieuwe studenten verpleegkunde en verzorgende [Declining enrolment in nursing and care VET programmes]. CBS