Name of Educational Leave Scheme

Paid Educational leave

• Introduction
• Legal framework
• Objectives
• Types of training
• Training providers
• Target sector(s)
• Target group(s)
• Duration of training
• Status of participants
• Application procedure
• Regulation, control and monitoring procedures
• Funding mechanisms
• Overall funding level
• Payment to persons on leave
• Statistics

Besides general subsidies for adult education and fiscal deductible expenses, paid leave for education and training is subject of negotiations between social partners. All collective labour agreements contain a paragraph dedicated to education and training. As a result, considerable sectoral differences occur. Education and training are paid by employers and employees together. They participate in (sectoral) funds for development and training, the so called Onderwijs en Ontwikkeling (O&O) funds. The contribution is a percentage of the total wage costs and amounts on average to 0,5 %. This contribution is paid by all employers as a member of the O&O fund. Because of this social partners prevent the phenomenon of "the free rider".

In 2001, the results of an in-depth survey will be published by the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS). It is expected that this survey will offer a wide range of quantitative data related to the usage of educational leave in the Netherlands.

In general the private and public sectors will contribute to the education and training of their employees in order to reach several objectives. The most important are:

• upgrading of the qualification level;
• training for the current function;
• special training in relation to innovation in production-processes ( IT).

In general the private and public sectors will contribute to the education and training of their employees in order to reach several objectives. The most important are:

• upgrading of the qualification level;
• training for the current function;
• special training in relation to innovation in production-processes ( IT).

Different types of training are financed by the above mentioned O&O funds. Most of the funds have a course catalogue, which contains an overview of courses and training providers, approved by the sectoral authorities. Tailor made courses are also possible. The level of courses ranges from basic to higher vocational education.

For training providers a 'free market' exists. Training providers could be (commercial departments of) the national bodies for vocational education and training as well as private institutions. The regional centres for vocational education and adult education (ROC'S) offer a lot of courses for enterprises as well.

All sectors are involved, private as well as public.

Employees in all sectors, especially those lacking the required (level of) competences.

According to the specific collective labour agreement of a sector the duration varies; the average duration: 5 days per year.

During the study leave, employees retain their existing contractual status, including all rights and obligations

Both, employers and employees, can take an initiative for training. The employer decides about paid leave for the employee.

If they exist, they are defined at a sectoral level.

O&O funds, see introduction.

More accurate data are expected from the CBS survey, when all the data has been analysed (statline.cbs.nl).

Participation in training related to age: