A career change can be a smart move, but the practicalities often raise a lot of questions. How much does it actually cost? And who foots the bill? Whether you’re considering a career change yourself or your employer has raised the subject with you, it’s good to know where you stand before making a decision.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about retraining, from costs and reimbursements to grants and common mistakes. This will ensure you’re well prepared before you start the process.
What is reskilling, and when is it necessary?
Reskilling is the process of learning new skills or undertaking a completely new course of study in order to work in a different profession or sector. It differs from further training, which involves building on your existing knowledge. Reskilling involves changing direction and preparing for a new field of work.
Retraining is necessary if your current job is made redundant due to reorganisation, technological changes or a shrinking sector. Retraining may also be the right step if you find that your work no longer fulfils you, or if you need to look for different work for health reasons. In some cases, retraining is part of a programme aimed at sustainable employability, whereby you proactively anticipate changes in the labour market rather than reacting to them.
The labour market is changing rapidly. Jobs that were taken for granted ten years ago are now under pressure from automation and digitalisation. Retraining is therefore not only a solution for people in need, but increasingly also a conscious investment in a future-proof career.
What is the average cost of retraining in the Netherlands?
The costs of retraining in the Netherlands vary considerably and depend on the course, its duration and the provider. A short practical training course or certification course can easily cost several hundred euros, whilst a full higher professional education (HBO) or senior secondary vocational education (MBO) programme can cost several thousand euros a year.
As a general guide, you can use the following cost categories:
- Short courses and certifications: between 300 and 2,000 euros
- Vocational training programmes at MBO level: between 1,500 and 6,000 euros a year
- HBO programmes and part-time courses: between 2,000 and 10,000 euros a year
- Private courses offered by commercial training providers: varies considerably, sometimes higher
As well as the course fees, there are also indirect costs, such as travel expenses, study materials and, possibly, a loss of income if you work fewer hours whilst on the course. It is wise to work out these costs carefully in advance, so that you don’t face any surprises.
Who pays for the retraining?
The costs of retraining may be covered by the employee themselves, the employer, the UWV, the local authority or a combination of these parties. Who pays depends on the situation: are you still in employment, have you been made redundant, or have you been unemployed for some time?
The employer as a financier
If you are still in employment, in many cases your employer is the first point of contact. It is in employers’ interests to ensure that staff remain employable, particularly when roles change due to organisational developments. Sometimes, arrangements regarding training are set out in a collective agreement or employment contract. In such cases, as an employee, you are even entitled to a specific budget or a certain number of training days per year.
The employee pays this themselves
If you take the initiative to retrain and your employer does not see any immediate benefit in it, you may have to bear (part of) the costs yourself. You may sometimes be able to claim this as a tax deduction, although the rules on this have been tightened in recent years. Consult a tax adviser regarding your specific situation.
UWV and the local authority
Are you unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed? If so, the UWV or your local authority may help cover the costs of retraining through special schemes. The UWV offers training vouchers and programmes for people receiving unemployment benefit. Local authorities support people on income support through reintegration programmes.
What grants and schemes are available for retraining?
There are several grants and schemes available for retraining in the Netherlands. The most important of these are the STAP scheme (which has since been discontinued), the SLIM grant for SMEs, training vouchers through the UWV, sectoral R&D funds and the personal development budget (POB) provided for in some collective labour agreements.
An overview of the most relevant schemes:
- R&D funds: Many sectors have their own Training and Development Fund, which provides grants to employees and employers for training. Check whether your sector has such a fund.
- SLIM grant: Intended for SMEs and partnerships to promote learning and development. Employers can use this to (co-)fund retraining programmes.
- Unemployment benefit training vouchers via the UWV: If you are receiving unemployment benefit, you may be eligible for a training voucher to undertake a course that will improve your prospects in the labour market.
- Personal Development Budget (POB): Some collective agreements provide employees with an annual budget for training and development. Check your collective agreement or employment contract.
- Local authority reintegration programmes: Local authorities offer support to people receiving social security benefits, including reimbursement of training costs.
The training landscape changes regularly, so it’s worth checking for up-to-date information with the UWV, your local council or a career coach who is familiar with the latest regulations.
As an employee, how do you apply for retraining allowance?
To apply for retraining allowance, you must first determine which scheme applies to your situation, then contact the relevant authority and submit your application along with the necessary documentation. The steps vary depending on the scheme, but the process follows a familiar structure.
- Assess your situation: Are you currently in employment, unemployed, or at risk of losing your job? This will determine which schemes are available to you.
- Have a chat with your employer: If you are still employed, discuss your training requirements with your line manager or HR. Ask about the available budget and the options under the collective agreement.
- Please contact the UWV or your local council: If you are unemployed or facing redundancy, you can contact the UWV or your local council to enquire about training allowances and reintegration programmes.
- Choose an accredited course: Many schemes require the course to be accredited or to appear on an approved list. Please check this in advance.
- Submit the application together with supporting documents: These might include proof of enrolment, a breakdown of fees and, in some cases, a personal statement or career plan.
Don’t wait too long to apply for reimbursement. Some schemes have limited budgets which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the most common mistakes made when retraining?
The most common mistakes made when retraining are choosing a course without self-awareness, waiting too long to apply for funding, and choosing a course purely on the basis of labour market trends rather than personal qualities and motivations.
Other common pitfalls include:
- Not having a clear goal in mind: Retraining without knowing what you want to achieve afterwards increases the likelihood that you’ll get stuck again once you’ve completed the course.
- Not having the financing in place: Many people start a course without knowing how they are going to pay for it, which causes unnecessary stress.
- Underestimating how difficult it is: Studying whilst working or looking after a family takes a lot of energy and planning. It is essential to have realistic expectations.
- Failure to make use of the support available: Career coaching or personal guidance can make the difference between a retraining programme that falls by the wayside and one that is successfully completed.
The foundation for a successful career change lies in self-awareness: knowing who you are, what you’re capable of and what you want. Without that foundation, there’s a good chance you’ll choose a course that ultimately isn’t right for you.
How Nieuwkans helps with retraining and career progression
Retraining is more than just choosing and paying for a course. It starts with understanding yourself and ends with a career that suits you. We support employees through precisely that process, from discovering your talents to making concrete choices for the future.
What we offer:
- Personalised career guidance and tailored coaching
- Scientifically-backed talent assessments using the BrainsFirst methodology
- Understanding your position in the labour market and future-proof opportunities
- Support in making decisions regarding retraining and professional development
- Support with applying for funding and finding the right course
Our programme for sustainable employability for employees not only helps you take the right step, but also to take that step with confidence. Are you curious to find out what we can do for you? Contact us and we’ll look at your options together.