From what age can you go to mbo?

From the age of 16 you can attend MBO.

Which secondary vocational schools are there?

There are 3 types of MBO schools:

• Regional training centers (ROCs): courses in the technology, care and welfare and economics sectors.
• Agricultural training centers (AOCs): training courses in the field of nutrition, nature and the environment.
• Vocational schools: these schools focus on 1 profession within 1 sector. For example, shipping, the graphic and design sector or the food industry.

What levels are there?

The MBO has 4 levels:

Entrance training

You can enroll here if you have not yet obtained a diploma. After the Entrance training you can start working or move on to level 2.

Level 2 Basic vocational training
These courses last 1 to 2 years. You are trained for practical work. After completing level 2 you can start a level 3 or 4 course.

Level 3 Professional training
These courses last 2 to 3 years. You are trained to practice your profession independently. You do executive work and you are widely employable. After completing level 3 you can enroll in level 4. Are you going to study in a different direction? Level 4 then takes another three years. Are you going to do a course in the same direction? Then you follow a 1-year head study.

Level 4 Middle management training (3 to 4 years) and specialist training (1 year)
You will be trained for fully independent executive work. You are widely employable or you are going to specialize. With an MBO 4 diploma you can go to HBO.

The UAF supports from MBO level 3, because the guidance is offered from HAVO 3 thinking level.

Two learning paths

In MBO you can choose between 2 different learning paths:

Vocational training pathway (BOL)
In the vocational training pathway (BOL) you spend a lot of time at school and do one or more internships (on-the-job training). In this learning path you will do an internship for a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 60 percent of the course.

Vocational training pathway (BBL)
In the vocational learning path (BBL) you combine learning and working. You usually have a paid job. You have to go to school about one day a week. At least 60 percent of your education consists of learning while working (on-the-job training).

Are you older than 23 years old?

On a BOL course, students are usually between 16 and 23 years old. Are you older? Then you are better off on a BBL course. For a BBL training you need a workplace at a recognized training company. This means that the quality of the company has been checked. You can find recognized training companies at www.stagemarkt.nl.