Employment training oriented towards specialization has been reinforced over the last few years. Young people may not receive allowances, they must either work or study.

Holland has the third lowest youth unemployment rate within Europe, following just behind Germany (7.6%) and Austria (10.5%). Holland youth unemployment rate is 11% against, for example, Spain, which’s rate is 54.6%. This youth rate takes place in a context where there has been an increase of the general unemployment rate from 6% to 7.1%.

During the 2010 financial crisis, the country established as its main priority to fight against youth unemployment. The Dutch government approved a program destined to people between 18 and 27 years old, which consists on the following items:

–Young people are not entitled to allowances; they must either work or study. This item is the core of the plan. People aged from 18 to 27 years old may not receive allowances, so they are offered a job or education, or a combination of both. Municipalities are in charge of managing education and collocation offerings. If young people have a job, they receive a salary from their employer. If they get involved in an educational program, they receive an amount of money. There is a public-private articulation between public and private employment agencies.

–Taxes exemptions are made to companies that hire employers under 23 years old whose salary is lower than the minimum salary (1.500 Euros).

– Reinforcing work practices within companies and develop programs which combine learning at work with theoretical curses.