Learning and working
Do you want to get a diploma and gain work experience at the same time? This is possible with a work-study program. You follow a part-time course together with other refugee students. In addition, you work at a company to obtain practical experience. In this way you learn more about the Dutch corporate culture and you build a network. You also learn the Dutch professional language you need for your profession.
Which work-study programs does the UAF offer?
You can follow work-study programs in all kinds of sectors. For example in healthcare, (construction) technology, education and finance. We have many contacts with study programmes, municipalities and employers. You can use our network to find a job where you can showcase your talents.
Can't find a program that suits you? Then you can contact the UAF. We will look with you for other options that suit you.
What support does the UAF offer for work-study programs at MBO level?
You will learn and work at the same time. How you combine learning and working differs per program. Often you first follow a preliminary process. In the preliminary phase, you prepare for your MBO education. You improve your Dutch language and gain practical experience and insight into your future profession through practical lessons. During the training, extra attention is paid to the Dutch language. You go to school and you also do an internship. Most MBO work-study programs offer you a job guarantee. If you successfully complete the training, you will be employed by the employer who organizes the program together with the UAF. MBO learning-working trajectories are group trajectories. You go through the training in your own permanent class, together with other refugees.
The duration of MBO work-study programs differs. We offer accelerated programs where you obtain a diploma in 1 to 1,5 years. You can also follow programs in which you first follow a preliminary trajectory of 4 to 6 months and then follow a BBL course for another 2 years. A BBL training is a combination of working and learning. For most BBL courses, this means that you usually go to school one day a week. The rest of the week you work at your training company. Check the overview of work-study programs to see how this works for the MBO work-study program in which you are interested.
Are you interested in a vocational training course? Then register at the UAF. We will talk to you to find out if this program fits you. You go through a selection procedure. The UAF works together with your future trainer or employer. Are you going to start the apprenticeship program? Then we will guide you through the process as best we can.
The UAF, the employer and sometimes the municipality pay the costs of your work-study program.
The following conditions apply to participate in a MBO work-study program:
- You are a status holder.
- You have sufficient prior education to receive training mbo 3 to follow.
- You speak Dutch at level B1.
- Additional requirements apply to previous education and work experience for each learning program. Check this out the overview of learning and working programs.
How you can register varies per learning program. Check this out the overview of learning and working programs.
What support does UAF offer for work-study programs at HBO level?
You will learn and work at the same time. How you combine learning and working differs per track. Often you first follow a preliminary process. With a preliminary phase you ensure that you are completely ready for working and learning in the Netherlands. In the preliminary phase you will follow various workshops and training courses. In this way you will learn more about how study programs work in the Netherlands. In addition, you learn the language and you gain extra professional knowledge that you need for your future profession. After this preliminary phase, you will start with the HBO learning and working program.
After about two and a half years (including the preliminary phase) you have obtained a Dutch diploma and gained work experience. You can usually start working immediately.
Are you interested in following a HBO course? Then please contact the UAF. Together with you, we investigate which route suits you best. You will then receive guidance to get through the learning process as well as possible. You will follow a job application training, you receive help in making a good CV and in writing a good letter of application. You also learn more about the Dutch corporate culture and how you use your network.
A work-study program is usually paid by the educational institution (for the preliminary phase), the municipality or from your DUO budget.
You must meet our general conditions. Additional requirements apply to previous education and work experience for each learning program. Check this out the overview of learning and working programs.
How you can register varies per learning program. Check this out the overview of learning and working programs.
Fitsum's story
'Electricity is in my blood'
In 2015 Fitsum Fisseha (27) came to the Netherlands. In Eritrea he already had work experience as an electrician. He is now following a work-study program for electricians at Stedin.
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