Netherlands

With this scheme the costs for the recognition of prior learning are funded. If the employer takes over the costs of the recognition the fund will reimburse EUR 400. If the employee carries the costs, he/she may receive co-funding between EUR 700 and EUR 1 500 depending on the duration and kind of recognition procedure and the provider.

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First time students following vocational education and training at ISCED 3 or 4 levels can apply for this scheme. While the scheme supports mainly the families of young people, adults can also benefit from it.

First time students in higher education can apply for a study loan. The scheme is also open for adults. The government - via specialised agency - provides study loans and subsidises interest rate. Additional financial support is provided if the applicant comes from a low income household. Repayments are income-contingent and start after graduation.

Adults can deduct the costs of their education and training -related to their current or future job - from the base of their individual income tax. The State co-funding, in the form of foregone tax revenues, equals to the eligible costs multiplied by the marginal tax rate (between 5 % and 52 % in 2014). Maximum EUR 15 000 can be deducted (2014).

As in many other sectors, employers in the metal sector are obliged based on a collective agreement to contribute a share of their payroll (0.625%) to a training fund. In return, they receive a grant to cover their training expenses. Training activities include the programmes addressed to all employees as well as those targeting specific groups, such as students doing internships or companies which train unemployed or handicapped persons. The ESF supports the training fund.

As in many other sectors, employers in the temporary work sector are obliged, based on a collective agreement, to contribute a share of their payroll (0.2%) to a training fund. In return, they receive a grant for their training related activities. The fund implements several schemes: training vouchers, grants for providing mentors for apprentices, licences for e-learning modules for employees with low literacy, financial contributions for the validation of experience. The ESF supports the training fund.

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Companies receive public contributions to their training costs for workers without a school-leaving certificate. Schooling vouchers are worth EUR 500. Each company can apply for 5 vouchers.

Individuals receive financial support from the State to cover their study costs. Only selected part-time programmes in higher education and training are eligible. Tuition fees must not exceed EUR 3 750 for 30 ECTS. Part-time programmes can last for either 120 or 240 ECTS. Persons without a higher education degree can apply for the grant. They receive vouchers for EUR 1 250 for each 30 ECTS. The remaining share of the fees is expected to be covered by the individuals and/or their employers.