Introduction

Please meet the Netherlands in this booklet. Via a general introduction of the country you will get to know the expertise and products from the Key Sectors which are on demand around the world and are the drivers of the Dutch economy. Excellent VET education is essential in maintaining and developing these sectors. You will be introduced to a wide range of organizations that are active in the innovative VET education in our country that offers one of the best vocational systems in the world. To name a few: Skills Netherlands, SBB, MBO Raad, AOC Raad, Vereniging Hogescholen, VSNU, Nuffic and CINOP whom all play an important role in the Dutch VET sector. On page 22/23 you will find the program of The Dutch Tulip, the Holland Pavilion at the Global Skills Village at WorldSkills. You can meet many of the organizations mentioned and also some students from Hogeschool Utrecht en Zuyd Hogeschool. WorldSkills is not only competitions but also a great platform to meet and to focus on international contacts. All organizations in this booklet offer opportunities to you or students or organizations from your country.

Table of contents
Foreword 3 Introducing the Netherlands 4 Dutch Sectors in Focus; Key Sectors Agriculture and Food Sector Chemical Sector Creative Industries Energy Sector High Tech Sector Horticulture Sector Life Sciences and Health Sector Logistic Sector Water Sector Skills Netherlands Alumni Association Skills Netherlands Introducing Team Nederland About WorldSkills 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20

SBB 21 The Dutch Tulip, Program 22 Smart Sustainable Cities, Hogeschool Utrecht 24 Zuyd University of Applies Sciences 26 The Dutch Tulip, Holland Pavilion 27 MBO Raad 28 AOC Raad 29 Vereniging Hogescholen 30 VSNU 31 National Technology Pact 2020 32 VHTO, More girls in science & technology 33 Nuffic, study and career in Holland 34 Cinop Foundation 36 Students abroad 37 About this publication 39

skillsnetherlands.nl/matchmaking

tel: +31 172 211 120

info@skills-netherlands.nl

Dear visitor, Welcome to Leipzig, welcome to the 42nd edition of WorldSkills and welcome to the Holland Pavilion! Skills Netherlands is the official representative of WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe in the Netherlands and promotes the importance of skills and vocational education. The Netherlands are participating in WorldSkills since 1962 and hosted this prestigious event three times (in 1966, 1977 and in 1991). Besides, the first editions of EuroSkills were organized in the Netherlands in 1998 and 2008. We believe that the WorldSkills event is not only a competition but also a platform where people can meet. Thousands of representatives of most of the 67 member countries are visiting the event and can meet each other at conferences and seminars, but also at the Global Skills Village where several countries have realized a pavilion. Skills Netherlands and NBSO (Netherlands Business Support Office), part of Agentschap NL, have built a pavilion commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Pavilion itself is worthwhile visiting. Futuristically shaped in the renown Dutch tulip following a durable cardboard design. It has been developed by students of Zuyd Hogeschool, now entrepreneurs, Ralph Scheepers and Ben Stevens. In their project they worked together with researchers and businesses to experiment with future techniques and materials. During on-going activities and inspiring presentations by different Dutch stakeholders that take place in the Holland Pavilion, you can get acquainted with the innovative VET education in our country which offers one of the best vocational systems worldwide, having education and private sector working closely and successfully together. Jos de Goey WorldSkills Official Delegate; Skills Netherlands. degoey@skills-netherlands.nl This booklet offers a broad view on everything the Netherlands has to offer in the field of education and business and in which international cooperation is essential. I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to WorldSkills Leipzig and that you will get to know our country a little bit better by visiting the Holland Pavilion and/or by reading this booklet. We hope that you or students and experts from your country will make use of everything our country has to offer. Please feel free to contact Skills Netherlands whenever you need more information on the subjects mentioned in this booklet. We will make sure you will get in touch with the right persons or organizations.

Introducing the Netherlands

A country that the Dutch created in the delta of three large rivers, flowing into the North Sea Where two thirds of GDP are earned below sea level Where there used to be a lake almost two million acres wide where Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is today Where innovative and daring solutions for water control protect half of the country against the risk of being flooded. It earned us a worldwide reputation We know water.

A country that was in need of more land for agriculture Where land was reclaimed from the sea and kept dry: the famous polders. A country supposedly too cold to grow certain vegetables and flowers... Where greenhouses were invented as a solution to this problem. Where Dutch farmers now produce 2.5 times more food per acre than EU farmers produce on average We know food & flowers.

Worldwide ranking
1st Production and auctioning of cut flowers and flower bulbs 1st Number of broadband connections per 100 inhabitants 1st Density of road network 2nd Export of agricultural products 2nd Quality of Water Transportation 4th Largest seaport 4th Logistics performance Index 5th Export of goods 7th Dutch investments abroad 7th Import of goods 8th Foreign direct investment in the Netherlands 9th Export of commercial services 9th Import of commercial services

Facts & figures

Form of government Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy Capital city Amsterdam Seat of the government The Hague Composition of the country 12 provinces, overseas territories of Aruba, Curaao and St. Martin Language Dutch Monetary unit Euro Population 16,735,100 (January 2012) GDP 705 billion $ (2010) Per capita income 42,475 $ per capita (2010) Export partners 1) Germany 24.1%; 2) Belgium 12.1%; 3) France 8.9%; 4) UK 8.0%; 5) Italy 4.8%; 6) US 4.1% (2011) Import partners 1) Germany 16.7%; 2) Belgium 10.0%; 3) China 8.4%; 4) UK 6.7%; 5) US 6.6%; 6) France 4.6% (2011) Dutch investments abroad 890 billion $ (2010) Foreign direct investment in the Netherlands 590 billion $ (2010) Command of foreign languages English (87% of > 15 years old), German (66%) and French (25%)

A country that is the gateway to Europe Connecting nearly half a billion consumers in the European hinterland to the worlds producers Thanks to the world-class Port of Rotterdam, the internationally praised Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, an extensive network of waterways, Europes strongest road transport sector and an extensive network of rail links We know logistics.

A country with an open and cooperative attitude Whose residents have always felt the need to explore what lies beyond its borders... Where the worlds first multinational corporation originated in the 17th century. A country where, today, 87% of people who are 15 years or older speak English We know international business.

Sources: Holland Compared, CBS, World Bank, IMF, OECD, WTO, UNCTAD, EIU, IMD Business School

Dutch Sectors in Focus

In its economic policy, the Dutch government is focussing on nine business sectors that are key to Hollands international trade and investment. These are sectors that are leading the way in innovation and sustainability, collaborating with Hollands knowledge institutes on worldclass research and development. Expertise and products from these Dutch sectors is on demand around the world. Together, these sectors are the drivers of the Dutch economy.

Key Sectors Agriculture and Food Chemical Industry Creative Industries Energy High Tech Systems and Materials Horticulture Life Sciences Logistics Water

Agriculture and Food Sector

World-leading supplier of agri-food products
Holland is the worlds 2nd largest exporter of agricultural products, after the USA. Together with the USA and France, Holland is one of the top 3 exporters of vegetables and fruit. The total value of Dutch agricultural exports was 75.4 billion Euros in 2012. The Dutch agro-food industry contributed 52.5 billion Euros of added value to Dutch GDP. The Netherlands is responsible for 22% of the worlds potato exports. The Netherlands has the second highest private R&D investment (as % of GDP) in agro-food in Europe. Four of the worlds top 25 food and beverage companies are Dutch and 12 have a major production site or R&D facilities in the Netherlands.

Chemical Sector
Chemical Portal to Europe
The chemical industry is one of the leading business sectors in the Netherlands, making a significant contribution to the economy. In 2011, the turnover was 58 billion Euros. Holland is one of Europes leading suppliers of chemical products and services. The competitiveness of the Dutch chemical industry lies in its internal and inter-company integration. Chemical companies work together on innovation and production, and take advantage of regional clustering. Holland hosts 19 of the worlds top 25 leading chemical companies, including AkzoNobel, BASF and Shell. Holland is also home to world-class R&D institutes for fundamental and applied research such as TNO, Delft University, Twente University, Wageningen University and Eindhoven University.

Creative Industries
Masters in architecture, design, fashion and gaming
Hollands creative industry ranks among the worlds top 10 in terms of trade figures, jobs and registrations of brands and patterns. The annual turnover of Dutch creative industries is 7.1 billion Euros. Holland has a long tradition of interior design, epitomized by Rietvelds furniture designs. Marcel Wanders is currently one the worlds best known furniture designers.

Dutch architects are commissioned to design prestigious buildings around the world such as the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing and Battery Park in New York. Renowned Dutch architects/agencies include Rem Koolhaas (OMA), Francine Houben (Mecanoo), Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos (UNStudio). 9

Energy Sector
Innovative, sustainable energy solutions
15 to 20% of the gas consumed in Europe comes from Holland. The distribution network for gas is the densest in Europe and of a very high standard. The Dutch have unmatched capacity to cope with seasonal fluctuations in gas demand, providing north-western Europe with much-needed flexibility. Holland has an international reputation for research in renewable energy, due, in part, to the work of the energy research centre ECN. The Dutch have leading expertise in offshore wind energy, co-combustion of biomass in coal-fired power plants, pre-treatment methods of biomass, the use of landfill gas, and the use of heat pumps combined with heat and cold storage.

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High Tech Sector

New technologies for health, mobility, energy and security
Hollands high-tech sector is a world leader in the development of new technologies and materials for use in communication systems, aircraft and automobiles, medical devices, energy generation and semiconductor production. Dutch companies invented WiFi, the CD and the DVD. Bluetooth was invented by Dutchman Jaap Haartsen. And high-tech equipment from Dutch companies are used in 90% of all silicon chips produced worldwide. The Netherlands ranks among the worlds top 3 nano science countries, together with Switzerland and the USA. MESA+, the institute for technology located at the University of Twente, is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world.

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Horticulture Sector
Worlds leading supplier of flowers, plants and trees
A quarter of the world trade in horticultural products (24%) is in Dutch hands. Holland has a 50% share of the worldwide trade in floricultural products, making it the dominant global supplier of flowers and flower products. Some 80% of all flower bulbs traded worldwide come from the Netherlands, the majority of which are tulips. The sector is the number 3 exporter in nutritional horticulture products. Dutch horticultural innovations include intelligent greenhouses that can float on water, moving platforms, robots, innovative lighting, water and waste recycling, and greenhouses that generate more energy than they consume and thus contribute to a reduction in CO2. The current generation of greenhouses already generates approximately 10% of Hollands power needs by using combined heat and power (CHP). 12

Life Sciences and Health Sector

Helping to advance health worldwide
The Netherlands ranks 8th worldwide in life sciences and health patents. With approximately 350 innovative life sciences companies clustered within a 120 mile radius, Holland is the most geographically concentrated region in the world when it comes to creating economic and social value in Life Sciences and Health. The sector invests over 2 billion Euros in R&D in the Netherlands each year and is becoming a globally recognized stronghold of open innovation. It already accounts for 2.5% of GDP. Philips is the world leader in medical imaging and patient monitoring; DSM is a biomaterials leader.

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Logistics sector
Strategic gateway to Europe and the world
The Netherlands was ranked 5th in the 2012 World Bank global Logistics Performance Index (based on terms of efficiency and effectiveness of its customs, quality of transport, IT infrastructure for logistics and ease and affordability of shipping). The Port of Rotterdam is the worlds fourth-largest and Europes largest port. From the Port of Rotterdam, all major industrial and economic centres in Western Europe can be reached in less than 24 hours. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport won two awards at the 2012 Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards for best airport in Europe and the Best Air Cargo Terminal in Europe. In 2012, Schiphol also won the ACI EUROPE Best Airport award for the third time.

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Water Sector
World leaders in hydraulic engineering, water treatment and shipbuilding
The Dutch are renowned for their integrated water management and multi-disciplinary approach that balances social, economic, environmental and engineering needs (Building with Nature). Dutch companies are involved in the sustainable development of low-lying urban agglomerations such as Jakarta and Bangladesh, and coastal development in areas such as Dubai, Vietnam and Romania. Two Dutch companies command half of the worlds dredging market. The Dutch Delta Works are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest flood defence project in the world. With almost 16,500 kilometres of dykes and 300 structures, the project is one of the most extensive engineering projects in the world. The Dutch invest heavily in innovation and R&D through public-private partnerships. These include renowned institutes such as Deltares, MARIN, Wetsus and KWR Watercycle Research Institute.

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Skills Netherlands
The Netherlands need skilled people. That is why Skills Netherlands, as the official representative of WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe, promotes the importance of skills and vocational education. An important tool to realise this mission, is the development and organisation of various events and skills competitions. With these activities, Skills Netherlands aims at three goals, namely image improvement, talent development and career orientation and coaching. Talent development Everybody has got a certain talent. The hard part however, is to discover which talents youve got and what you can do with them. Skills Netherlands helps young people to discover and develop those talents. Career guidance When you know which talents you possess, you need to decide what youre going to do with them. Choosing the right occupation and matching the education path way, is not an easy thing to do. Skills Netherlands helps young people making difficult decisions like these.

Our Goals
Image improvement Vocational education and craftsmanship do not always get the recognition they deserve. By promoting their importance, were trying to improve the image of these disciplines on a national and international level.

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Our Mission
(Inter)national awareness of the importance of craftsmanship and vocational education, is our main goal. Besides that we have a strong focus on the development of (young) talent. How can we help young people to create a vision for their own future, without losing sight of their own unique talents? Furthermore, Skills Netherlands is working on establishing a bigger sense of vocational pride, under young talents. We think its important that people are simply proud of what they do. Besides that, competitions form a perfect preparation on the final exams of students in the various segments. Our mission is to show that Skills competitions are great fun, but also a very smart learning tool, which can be easily incorporated in a schools curriculum. Last, but not least, Skills Netherlands is trying to establish national recognition about Skills competitions. These competitions are a great way of improving pride on a vocational level.

Whenever you need more information about opportunities in the Netherlands, whether it concerns working, studying or internships, please feel free to contact us. We will get you in contact with the right organization or persons.
skills-netherlands.nl/ matchmaking

Alumni Association Skills Netherlands

On November 15, 2012 the Alumni Association Skills Netherlands was officially founded. Members of past Teams Netherlands WorldSkills or EuroSkills were invited to join. The initiative to start this Alumni Association was in the hands of Job de Visser (past competitor EuroSkills 2008 and WorldSkills 2009) and Skills Netherlands. Members will not only use the network for their own benefit (networking, sharing knowledge and experience), future competitors will also be able to profit from the knowledge, skills and experience of past competitors. Members meet several times a year at national or international events. Throughout the year they keep in contact through a special Facebook page.

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Introducing Team Nederland

Please meet the 24 national champions of Team Nederland that will participate in WorldSkills 2013 Leipzig from 2 to 7 July 2013. All candidates have won regional and national preliminaries in their field. Participation is made possible by the following partners and sponsors: Bouwend Nederland, Calibris, MBO Raad, Ministery of Education, Culture and Science, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Nimeto Utrecht, OTIB, ROC Midden Nederland, Stayokay, TechniekTalent, VHG, Arbesko and Hago.

Bas Kerkwijk Carpentry

Richard Grootjans CADD

Roland Wolbers CNC Turning

Paul Groen Electrical Installations

Wouter van der Ven

Manufactoring Team Challenge

Robbert-Jan van Wijk

Manufactoring Team Challenge

Pim Bexkens
Manufactoring Team Challenge

Rick Bordewijk Mechatronics

Kidany Kortschot Architectual Stonemasonry

Bram Sweegers Polymechanics

Joost Aben Plumbing and Heating

Jeroen Sanders Wall and Floor Tiling

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ons

Simone de Meijere Visual Merchandising

Johan van Hoef Industrial Control

Stefan Wiltink Refrigeration Technology

Tom Smits Welding

Menno Deken Mechatronics

Reno de Ling Bricklaying

Leon Coppens Mobile Robotics

Ruud Rooijakkers Mobile Robotics

Brian Vonken Information Network Cabling

Lucq Post Landscape Gardening

Marcel Jansen Landscape Gardening

Cok Steenbergen Caring

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About WorldSkills
Vision A world where people can achieve the workplace skills they need to prosper and find fulfilment. Mission To promote and facilitate through cooperative action a worldwide awareness of the essential contribution that skills and high standards of competencies make to the achievement of economic success and personal fulfilment. Objectives Facilitate skills competitions and events Engage Members, Partners and stakeholders in the vision and mission Promote and support skills initiatives worldwide Provide a sustainable platform for the skills Movement

63 years of WorldSkills
As the country that held the International Vocational Training Competitions for the first time, Spain is considered the founder of the international organization. 63 years later, over 1.000 competitors are coming together in Leipzig. They represent the best of their peers drawn from regional and national skills competitions held currently in 67 countries/regions. Nowadays, if you visit a WorldSkills Competition, you will be pleased to see the young skilled workers know-how and dedication, their pride on having been selected and the pleasure they feel to meet their counterparts from other continents. In spite of language barriers, the experience they gain will positivly affect the professional, personal and human aspects of their lives forever. The Competitions were not only designed for ranking Member countries/regions and awarding medals. In fact, they give a new impulse to their vocational training systems.

www.worldskills.org 20

SBB, the foundation for cooperation on vocational education, training and the labour market
Guaranteeing sound vocational education is a shared responsibility for vocational education and the labour market. Within the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB), education partners together with the social partners work on optimising the links between vocational education and the labour market. As a result of this cooperation, the Ministry of Education can rely on sound advice, where education and labour market speak with one single voice. At the end of the day, this is the best possible outcome for students in Senior Secondary Vocational Education and Training (VET), and the companies subsequently employing those students. SBB is responsible for the Dutch VET qualifications structure, examinations, work placement and the offer of training programmes. Full descriptions of VET qualifications in Dutch are available on www.kwalificatiesmbo.nl As (international) mobility of workers and students increases, this raises questions about transparency and the value of (foreign) qualifications. In order to deal with these issues, SBBs Department for Credential Evaluation provides policy advice about the comparability between Dutch and foreign VET qualifications and systems. Furthermore it issues the (Europass) Certificate Supplement, one of the European instruments for the transparency of diplomas and competences. The Certificate Supplement (CS) provides a brief and practical description of the content and background of the obtained VET diploma, in Dutch, German On the website of Europass http://europass.cedefop. europa.eu the so-called National Reference Points (NRP) for VET in all European member states are mentioned, such as SBB in the Netherlands, the Bundesinstitut fr Berufsbildung (BIBB) in Germany and the Nationales Europass Zentrum (NEC) in Austria. It is the task of the NRPs to issue (Europass) Certificate Supplements on VET diplomas in the home country. and English. This information gives employers and educational institutions a clear picture of the training programme, skills and competences. It is a useful instrument for those who want to be informed in a quick and reliable way on the diploma, whether obtained in the home country or abroad. Certificate Supplements on Dutch VET diplomas can be found in the above mentioned languages on the website of SBB: cs.s-bb.nl

www.s-bb.nl 21

The Dutch Tulip, Program

The Netherlands offers a daily program in The Dutch Tulip, the Holland Pavilion. We believe that the WorldSkills event is not only a competition but also a platform where people can meet. During on-going activities and inspiring presentations by different Dutch stakeholders that take place in the Holland Pavilion, you can get acquainted with the innovative VET education in our country which offers one of the best vocational systems worldwide in which the education and private sector work closely and successfully together. On these pages you will find the program. On the next few pages you will meet some of the parties that take part in the program.

JULY

09.30 12.00

Organisation: Skills Netherlands The German primary school 120. Grundschule Leipzig will be visiting the Holland Pavilion as part of the One School, One Country program, in which each team is linked to a local primary school. Organisation: Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (FH Zuyd) Presentation: Professors of Zuyd explain The District of Tomorrow as the real life learning lab of Zuyd. Students of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences designed the Holland Paviljoen with their concept Think Paper. Organisation: HU University of Applied Sciences (HU) Smart Sustainable Cities. Be prepared for the future and get the experience of energy: produce energy by yourself, make energy move wheels, make energy visible with an Infrared Camera, and feel the energy needed to cool a can. Organisation: Brainport Development Brainport Eindhoven Region, located in the Southeast of the Netherlands provides over 100.000 jobs in the high-tech, automotive, and manufacturing industry and in high tech services. Organisation: MBO Raad and Platform Beta Techniek Presentation: "Interactive seminar 'Excellence in VET': discuss your burning questions about work based learning and excellence in VET with experts from Singapore, Finland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands; speakers and audience from business, government and education perspectives share their secrets and learn from each other how to boost excellence in times of crises. Organisation: CINOP & ECBO Presentation: CINOP Foundation and the new Dutch design for flexible and sustainable work.

13:30 16:00: All-day:

All-day:

All-day:

JULY

09.30 12.00:

13.30 16.00:

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All-day:

Organisation: HU University of Applied Sciences (HU) Smart Sustainable Cities. Be prepared for the future and get the experience of energy: produce energy by yourself, make energy move wheels, make energy visible with an Infrared Camera, and feel the energy needed to cool a can.. Organisation: Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (FH Zuyd) Students of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences designed the Holland Paviljoen with their concept Think Paper. Organisation: Brainport Development Brainport Eindhoven Region, located in the Southeast of the Netherlands provides over 100.000 jobs in the high-tech, automotive, and manufacturing industry and in high tech services. Organisation: HU University of Applied Sciences (HU) Presentation: Possibilities for Excellent Education, innovation and future with demonstrations. Smart Sustainable Cities. Be prepared for the future and get the experience of energy: produce energy by yourself, make energy move wheels, make energy visible with an Infrared Camera, and feel the energy needed to cool a can. Organisation: Nuffic Presentation: Study in Holland, Holland Alumni Network and Career in Holland activities Holland Alumni meet & greet Organisation: Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (FH Zuyd) Students of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences designed the Holland Paviljoen with their concept Think Paper. Organisation: Brainport Development Brainport Eindhoven Region, located in the Southeast of the Netherlands provides over 100.000 jobs in the high-tech, automotive, and manufacturing industry and in high tech services. Organisation: Nuffic Presentation: Study in Holland, Holland Alumni Network and Career in Holland activities

All-day:

All-day:

JULY

09.30 12.00 All-day:

13.30 16.00 All-day: All-day:

All-day:

JULY

09.30 12.00:

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Smart Sustainable Cities:

to be prepared for the future
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU) The city of Utrecht, located in the heart of the Netherlands with a population of 300.000 inhabitants, is proud of its long and colourful history as reflected in its old city centre. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht is a large institute of higher education, with about 37.000 students. HU contributes to a sustainable knowledge society with people as the starting point, striving for impact in society with research programs on Health & Innovation, Creativity, Social Innovation and Smart Sustainable Cities. The realisation of Smart Sustainable Cities call for crosscutting professionals, who can bridge disciplinary borders and contribute to the environmental conditions and societal needs of the present and the future. Students address and explore the design and implementation of technologies that will foster sustainable development within the city borders, integrating sustainable design and architecture, renewable energy and mobility. As professionals they have to manage the inherent dynamics and complexity of the urban environment in order to provide the conditions for an enhanced quality of life, fulfilling the aims of efficiency, sustainable development and social engagement. Required is a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills from different fields, such as transportation, construction and building, engineering, aspects. information, communication and economics next to creativity and social behavioural

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An example is energy, as a crucial resource for modern cities. The demand and supply of energy is constantly changing. Price as well as impact on the environment, depends on many factors, such as economics, climate policy, liberalization of energy and the use of renewable sources. The monitoring and analysis of energy systems incorporates both a social, technical and natural science perspective, consisting of a chain of production, conversion, transportation, storage, consumption, recovery and trading. The implications of energy use on material requirements and vice-versa indicate the importance of this subject.

To handle this kind of challenges, students will be prepared for their role as integrator of disciplines and co-creator of practical solutions. The Smart Sustainable Cities activities at the HU are integrated in various research projects supported with practical activities. In courses and projects, students will be able to apply and elaborate the knowledge from their studies together with the professionals in the working field. Those activities are developed hand in hand with industrial companies or SMEs, ensuring the link with a career development start point. Professional tools and skills bringing different perspectives together in the process of realising innovative and excellent Smart Sustainable Cities all over the world.

www.research.hu.nl 25

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Faculty of Bta Sciences and Technology
sustainable living environment. Linking Education with Research The Faculty of Bta attaches great importance to the integration of research into its educational programs. This interrelationship is achieved thanks to close cooperation between the seven bachelor programs and the three Centres of Expertise. Training and research are structured around 8 themes. These themes lie within the three focus areas, which are relevant to the southern region of the Netherlands as defined from a regional, national and international point of view. The three focus areas are as follows: Sustainable Urban Development Technology & Health Care Chemistry: Life & Material Sciences and Innovative Process Technology Located at the cross-border European Science and Business Park Avantis in Heerlen (NL)/Aachen (Germany). Students and research staff design, study and test sustainable technologies for the built environment of the future. Courses in the field of Technology at Zuyd University are given by the Faculty of Bta Sciences and Technology. All courses are taught based on excellent quality and personal guidance, and entail an active collaboration within the field. Students are trained to become professionals in their chosen field of study, who can participate in creating a

Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs (CHILL) A real lab on the Chemelot Campus (the centre of chemical industry in the Netherlands). A joint initiative of Zuyd University of Applied Maastricht University, vocational colleges and industrial partners such as DSM and Students and research staff contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sciences, Sabic.

The focus areas mentioned above complement and support one another. They have a single joint objective: to support the realization of a sustainable, healthy and prosperous society for the future. Our living labs, the links between education and innovation The District of Tomorrow An innovative programme: educational institutions, researchers, businesses, and public authorities aim to realize the transition to a sustainable built The Centre for Innovative Health Care and Technology A practical skills lab, set up by Zuyd UAS, Arcus vocational college, the Open University and health care institutions, facilitated by local and regional Students and research staff meet the demand of health care institutions and individuals. A perfect setting to develop innovative solutions todays and tomorrows health care

authorities.

for

environment.

requirements.

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Dutch Tulip Pavilion at WorldSkills, the concept

In order to present the Netherlands as an attractive option to study and work, Skills Netherlands and Agentschap NL, on behalf of the Ministries of Education, Culture & Science and Economic Affairs, are realizing a Holland Pavilion at WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig. Most of the time an entire stand is wasted when a The Holland Pavilion is built from durable cardboard materials and has the shape of a tulip. In the pavilion, numerous demonstrations and presentations are held by various parties. In the Future Lab Holland Pavilion the Netherlands shows how real life and future skills are being used in Dutch vocational education in order to continue providing smart solutions for global challenges. The concept behind the sustainable Holland pavilion is developed by students of Zuyd University in the future lab: The District of Tomorrow. Companies and researchers, together with students, experimented Cardboard scores high when it comes to sustainability, being 100% renewable and recyclable, fairly cheap and feasible in all possible forms. In short, cardboard is the material of the future! The pavilion reflects the innovative approach Dutch vocational education can offer to both industry and education. fair has come to an end. This is not only regrettable, but also unsustainable. Ralph and Ben developed an alternative entirely made out of cardboard. Besides creating a trendy environment, visiting the pavilion will be quite an experience for every visitor or guest. with techniques and futuristic materials in a college environment. The, now graduated, students and owners of the young and innovative design studio Think Paper Ralph Scheepers and Ben Stevens wanted to contribute to sustainability with their concept.

Stand Construction of the Dutch Tulip Pavilion

The Inside is a fairly new company founded in 1996 by director / owner Michael Hermans. Over the years The Inside developed into a nationwide company offering the following services: 1. stand and exhibition design & construction 3. events 2. interiors 4. graphics & display The name The Inside symbolizes the idea that the company can operate productively not only by looking at an order but also by fully understanding who a client really is. At the moment The Inside delivers about 500 projects annually worldwide with a team of about 50 skilled workers. In addition to this team the company regularly relies on a large number of professional freelancers.

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The Dutch VET-system from a bird eyes view

Unique about our VET system (in the Netherlands called mbo) are the two learning pathways, put in the same qualification framework. This means that same qualifications with the same value can be achieved through two different learning pathways. 1. The school based pathway (BOL): about 65% of the VET students. The share of work placement as part of the entire curriculum varies from minimal 20% to a maximum of 60%, depending on the didactical approach, the branch and the level of education/training. 2. The work based pathway (BBL): about 35% of the VET students. Students have the status of an apprentice, whilst they are paid for the work according to the agreements made by the social partners. Generally, four days Both learning pathways offer programs on four different levels, ranging from the assisting level to the mid-management level with qualification profiles that are drawn up by branch commissions representing the social partners and the world of education and training. In close co-operation, VET-colleges, social partners, training firms, stakeholders of education and training and the government contribute to a solid, responsive and attractive system of vocational education and training, that provides the backbone of the society. The choice for the work based learning pathway or the school based one depends on the personal preference, but also on the possibilities, as not all VET- programs offer both learning pathways. The economic situation is another factor that influences the choice, as both systems function like communicating vessels. In times of crisis and youth unemployment, there is a rise of the school based system at the expense of the work based system and vice versa in times of booming economy. It is difficult to say which system is preferred by the employers, as this differs from one industrial sector to another. Another strong point of the system is the permeability within the VET sector. Holders of a certain qualification are always able to go one step up and holders of the highest VET level can even continue on tertiairy level at one of the Universities of Applied Sciences (Hogescholen). working in the week is combined with one day College.

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Agricultural Education Centres

Introduction The green (agricultural) sector in the Netherlands has a strong international orientation. 80% of its production is for export. Many Dutch companies even produce abroad. Many dairy farmers are active in Denmark, where flower growers have discovered Kenya as a good production area. The Netherlands is the Worlds biggest exporter of agricultural products after the USA. Dutch green vocational education is offered by 12 Agricultural Education Centres (in Dutch: AOC) Together they are responsible for over one hundred colleges, with about 60.000 students, equally divided over pre vocational education (VMBO) and secondary vocational education (diploma level, MBO) The agricultural sector and the AOCs have a close cooperation. This has led to the Human Capital Agenda. In this document, the focus is on the role of (future) workers. This cooperation has also led to the formulation of job profiles and the related educational structure. The Dutch vocational education is competency based. AQUAP To encourage foreign students to have a practical placement abroad, and also to improve the quality of foreign learning companies, a Leonardo-project has been carried out during the last two years. The name of this project is: Attractiveness, quality control and accreditation of placements in the green sector. As a result, a database is available, with hundreds of learning companies in many European countries, and also with useful background information. Documents are available, supporting the organisation of an internship and also the training of coaches in the learning companies. Please have a look at www. greenplacements.eu. Internships Competencies can be job-related or personal. To acquire these competencies, students have different learning pathways, both inside and outside their school. An example of learning outside the school is the internship (in Dutch: stage). This internship can be in the Netherlands, but also abroad. Many Dutch companies have been accredited as a learning company. More and more foreign companies follow. The companies can be found in a web based database. For Dutch students, international mobility is an excellent tool to develop their personal competencies.: How to deal with a different culture, another language, different structures in companies, etc.

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Professionally oriented higher education in the Netherlands (HBO) comprises various programmes provided by universities of applied sciences and is very diverse. Some institutions are relatively small and have a specific thematic focus. Examples of these are institutions which focus on art and design, agriculture and hospitality management. Other institutions, however, have a more general profile and offer programmes across a broader spectrum, like engineering, business administration, social work and health sciences. The most important added value provided by the universities of applied sciences is their close alignment to professional practice. Traditionally they have close ties with organisations in the public and private sectors. Professionally oriented higher education in the Netherlands is provided by lecturers who either have worked within sectors covered by the subjects they teach or are still doing so. Representatives from the education institutions, regional enterprises and public sector institutions work together to ensure the relevance of the curricula of our universities. We seek close cooperation and strong relationships especially, but not exclusively, with small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and with public sector organisations. Almost 80% of our students seeking a job, find employment within 3 months after graduation. Innovation SMEs and other companies need employees with appropriate skills and knowledge: intercultural competences, knowledge of international markets, the ability to speak foreign languages and, highly important, innovation skills and experience of applied research.

Dutch universities of applied sciences cooperate closely with approximately 4,000 companies, businesses and enterprises. A lot of these companies are crucial as innovators or suppliersto the sectors of the economy that are expected to contribute to further growth in production and innovation. The Dutch government has identified nine of these successful sectors, namely water management and hydraulic engineering, agrifood, horticulture, hightech systems and materials, life sciences, chemistry, energy, logistics and creative industries. Research Research at Dutch universities of applied sciences is a relatively new phenomenon. Our research is consistent with the nature of universities of applied sciences. It is geared towards implementation by professionals in professional practice and valorisation. We seek cooperation with traditional research-based universities. Fundamental research and knowledge, theoretical formulation and research into the application of this knowledge are important steps in ensuring that society benefits from this knowledge and innovation.

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Studying at the Dutch Research Universities

The Dutch research universities excel in both research and education. Here, research and teaching go hand in hand, providing unique experiences for students and researchers alike. International classrooms serve as intercultural meeting places, bringing together Dutch and international students and staff. English is the prevalent language of instruction and research in the Dutch research universities. It is also possible to get along in day to day life in the Netherlands by using English Why study at a Dutch research university? 19% of all Masters students at Dutch research universities are international students Virtually all Masters programmes are taught in English Research-based teaching Focus on problem-solving skills Joint degrees and programmes Open and international environment Interaction with professors and staff

Interested in studying in the Netherlands? Visit www.studyinholland.nl

High achievement on the world stage is something of a Dutch trait. Whether it is science (inventing microbiology thanks to Leeuwenhoeks microscope), sport (three Fifa World Cup finals), business (Shell, Unilever and Philips all have Dutch roots) or culture (Vermeer to Van Gogh), the Netherlands has always punched above its weight in the international arena. To this list can be added the countrys world-class university system. In this years Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 12 of the Netherlands 13 research universities finished in the top 200, behind only the US and the UK, despite being a nation of only 16.8 million people (Times Higher, 2012)

The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) The VSNU represents the Netherlands 14 research universities. It promotes their interests, provides a forum for the development of common objectives and acts as an employers association.

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National Technology Pact 2020

The Netherlands count in the world. When it comes to competitiveness, innovation and scientific research we are still at the top internationally, despite the economic downturn. An excellent position that we owe to our well-trained workforce. the Netherlands would like to maintain this position, but it requires enough smart and skilled technicians. Whether its health care, energy, construction and manufacturing, ICT, food or our main ports: technology is indispensable. More engineers needed Until 2020 every year more than 70.000 construction workers, contractors, electricians, metalworkers, engineers and systems analysts retire. The schools supply every year tens of thousands of skilled technicians to take their place. But that is not enough. In order to remain competitive with other countries and to exploit market opportunities the Netherlands need more trained technicians at all levels. Companies in promising sectors such as energy, horticulture, chemistry and life sciences and health have thousands of challenging jobs for both practical vocational trained employees as well as university researchers. Today only 7% of international students in the Netherlands choose a technical study. 27% remains in the Netherlands after the study for a first job. Opportunities for foreigners Because of the labour shortage in certain technical areas influx of foreign workers is necessary. This offers opportunities for foreign employees and students. Technology Pact Despite all the existing initiatives and plans the number of technicians does not grow fast enough. Analyses of the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) show that 30.000 additional technicians are required annually to meet the growing need for technical staff. This requires additional efforts. Educational institutions, employers, workers, youth, leading sectors, regions and central government have therefore signed a National Technology Pact. The Technology Pact unites the ambitions of the existing plans and initiatives, but wants to realise these faster (in 2020) and with more vigour.

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VHTO: More girls in science & technology!

VHTO, the Dutch national expert organization on girls/ women and science/technology makes an effort to increase the involvement of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In many countries, especially in the Netherlands, girls and women are still underrepresented in these fields. Since 2005, VHTO implements the girl approach in primary and secondary education. The strength of the current strategy is based on the integral combination of activities for girls, training programs for teachers and career advisers and consultations with school managers. It is designed to introduce girls to a range of opportunities in STEM and to female professionals (role models) who enjoy working in this sector. This is done through speed dates, where girls take turns to talk in small groups with female professionals and/or students with a STEM programme and/or job in the business sector or in academia. This activity generally provokes a very enthusiast response from participating schools and pupils. In this way, girls are The efforts to increase the involvement of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are effective, as long as parties like schools, businesses, governments (national and regional), intermediaries and parents work together. All parties should continue to monitor the needs of girls when it comes to the way they make a choice for their future. Girls have equal rights as boys to develop their STEM talents, and society should benefit from fully exploiting all available talent! VHTO organizes speed dates with female role models
www.vhto.nl www.twitter.com/ vhtoamsterdam

able to choose a career consciously and well informed. At schools where VHTO organizes speed dates with female role models, a significantly larger number of girls opt for a science subject cluster.

Girlsday
Girlsday is an international event that takes place each year at the end of April. On this day organized by VHTO -companies open their doors to young girls aged 10-15. On April 25th 2013 almost 300 companies in the technology sector and approximately 8.000 girls participated, aiming to raise their interest in a technical/technological career. The next Girlsday will be on April 24, 2014. www.girlsday.nl

In addition, these female professionals perform also guest classes. VHTO works closely with over 165 secondary schools and with 1,900 women, all gathered in the online database www.spiegelbeeld.net.

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Linking knowledge worldwide

From studying in Holland to ambassadorship
Linking knowledge means linking people. What we love about knowledge is that you cannot give it away. You can only share it with others. Nuffic shares information about studying and starting a career in Holland with students and alumni worldwide. Studying in Holland The education system in Holland is known for its high quality in education and research and its international study environment. Holland stands out for its great inventiveness, its problem-solving attitude and its openness to the world. The more than 1,700 Englishtaught bachelors and masters programmes and short courses cover a broad range of fields. The strong connection between Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences and the business world creates possibilities for practical assignments and internships to prepare students for a career in an international environment. Staying in Holland after graduation Research has shown that international students in the Netherlands are quite keen to stay on after their studies. And why wouldnt they! The Netherlands provides good working conditions, a high quality of living, an attractive social environment and it has the second-highest average income in the European Union. The Holland Alumni network After their studies, Holland Alumni international students who study or have studied in the Netherlands can stay connected through the Holland Alumni network. This worldwide network with more than 30,000 registrations offers services for current international students in the Netherlands and Holland Alumni as well as for Holland Alumni associations, Dutch higher education institutions and relevant organisations. It forms a global community of advocates and ambassadors of Holland and of Dutch higher education. The Holland Alumni network stimulates alumni to exchange information, link knowledge and form networks worldwide. In February 2013, Nuffic launched a career portal (www.careerinholland.nl) that provides international students and alumni with reliable and up-to-date information about the nine key sectors in Holland and about career opportunities. Through this portal Nuffic aims to retain international talent to strengthen the Dutch knowledge economy and its international competitiveness.

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I highly recommend every potential student to consider Holland because you just might live the rest of your life never knowing what an enriching experience that could have been.

Linking Knowledge Worldwide is Nuffics motto. Nuffic is the Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education. As an independent, non-profit organisation based in The Hague in the Netherlands, Nuffic supports internationalisation in higher education, research and professional education in the Netherlands and abroad, and helps improve access to higher education worldwide.

www.studyinholland.nl www.hollandalumni.nl www.careerinholland.nl www.nuffic.nl

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CINOP Foundation
Introduction CINOP is a Dutch foundation specialised in lifelong learning, adult and vocational education & training, career guidance and human resource development. Wide range of beneficiaries CINOP has carried out numerous projects and supported schools, educational institutions, national governments, branch associations and commercial companies. Throughout the years, CINOP has supported the innovation of training systems within Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Lifelong Learning CINOP believes in the continuous development of people. Learning does not stop after initial education. Every day people gather new knowledge and develop their skills; be it in a formal, non-formal or informal way. They do so in further education, at the workplace or as a citizen in society. CINOP believes that talent exists at all levels: any place, anywhere, anytime. CINOP acts as the National Agency for the European Lifelong Learning Programme. For further information: Core activities CINOP focuses on learning inside and outside the formal education system. Core activities are: Curriculum review and development of new curricula Institutional capacity building Design and implementation of e-learning Developing national qualification systems Management in education Implementation of training of trainers programme
www.cinop.nl www.cinopglobal.com www.ecbo.nl

Centre for expertise in VET As part of the CINOP Group, experienced researchers are working for the Centre of Expertise in vocational education and training (ECBO). This centre has been set up to develop, disseminate and synthesise school and practice-based information on VET independently, systematically and to a high quality standard for the benefit of the education sector and society. National coordination point NLQF The Dutch qualification programmes framework on a offers the and possibility to offer both formal and non-formal educational national international level by connecting NLQF and the European Qualification Framework. NLQF should increase transparency of educational programmes and encourage international mobility of students.

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Students abroad
Lianne Wezeman is from Emmeloord in the Duco Richard Burlage, from Hilversum studies mbo hotel management at ROC Amsterdam. He is in his third year and presently doing a six months internship at Fourpoints by Sheraton in Miami Beach. Duco is working as a F&B supervisor and was a bit confused at first: what struck me when I arrived in Miami was that everybody speaks Spanish (I really thought I had booked a ticket to the USA). Typical of Florida and especially Miami is that it is full of immigrants from South America, and that Spanish is more common here than English. After four months, I now manage to understand and even speak some Spanish. Whenever you get the chance to study, work of do an internship in Miami I would say: do not hesitate, just do it! Netherlands. She studied horse holding with pleasure and passion at AOC Terra in Meppel. She is very proud of the mbo training she followed. Obviously she loves to go abroad: in her third year Lianne went to California for an internship, in her fourth year to Luxemburg for a student meeting, organized by EUROPEA. In 2013 she went to Georgetown, Ontario (Canada) to work and learn at the Park Lane Stables as a working student for 5 months. People are really friendly over here and hospitable she says. For a period of two weeks Lianne went away to assist in a contest at horse park Palgrave; two weeks of hard work, meeting new people and seeing new things. I will surely look back on my time in Canada with pleasure.

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International Student
Hi, my name is Arkaitz Arias Romano, Im 25 years old and I come from a little town named Zumarraga situated at the Basque country at the region of Guipuzcoa. I think, that Ive been very fortunate to have been one of the students, who in November last year, benefitted from the Global Training grant awarded by the Basque Government through the mediation of higher polytechnic school Txorierri in Derio located in Bizkaia. Looking at the poor economic situation of my region and taking into account that I already had two top grade titles, something around level 5, lets say between mbo and HBO, my expectations of the future that awaited me there were not the best. So I decided to start the process of selection for these scholarships. I decided to come to the Netherlands, because they took the trouble to come to the Basque Country and personally explain what they intended, and the proposal was encouraging given our situation. After all the process, I eventually reached Eindhoven on the day of November 22, 2012. I started my internship in the company Embedded Fitness on the 27th of that month, I received a very pleasant reception and explaining what would be my role. The company is characterized by new motion applications and interactive multimedia. Our unit is available in health care and education with knowledge in the field of interactive movement and opportunities for diverse audiences. This sounds weird but I do not know how to put it otherwise. My roles in the company are to maintain all equipment in perfect condition, improve them if necessary and at the events, we have outside our center, making the installation of all the equipment we need. To conclude, I can say that this experience, for now is far from over, as I have a proposal from the enterprise to continue for another year and, I will say this to be very rewarding so far. I am very happy that I made the decision that I made almost a year ago, as it gave me opportunities that were not possible in my country of origin. The only downside I see in the situation is that I am still far from my family and friends, but with the new technologies we have now, such as Skype, and support from my friends every day I find it much easier. Over the last six months I have been adapting to life here, with people from the company and with the Dutch habits. The meal times are very diferent from ours and I think that has been the most dificult and even now I do not get along at all, but I am getting closer. I was surprised about the number of people in this country, especially those in the region of Brabant. They are very hospitable and do not hesitate to help you if you ask them, really, even one is enough for it.

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About this publication

About this publication, June 2013, DUTCH FUTURE SKILLS FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES is a publication of Skills Netherlands and NL Agency which is part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Editor: Marc Fonhof Editorial address: Skills Netherlands, Frankrijklaan 8a, 2392 PX Hazerswoude-Dorp, The Netherlands, info@skills-netherlands.nl Concept, design and art direction: Niels van Dijk Multimedia Revision: Manfred Polzin (MBO Raad) Printing: Printvisie Ridderkerk Copyright Articles may be reprinted or reproduced only with acknowledgement of the source: DUTCH FUTURE SKILLS FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES/Skills Netherlands. No rights may be derived from the contents of this publication. Cover: techniekbeeldbank.nu Page 4: Arcadis - Groenten en Fruit Bureau Page 5: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol - Roel Backaert Page 6: Philips - Groenten en Fruit Bureau - Bureau Voorlichting Binnenvaart - NL agency - Waterstudio. nl - Christian Richters / UNStudio - NL agency - Enza Zaden - NL agency Page 7: Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions Page 8: Vincent van Dordrecht / Rotterdam Image Bank Page 9: United Nude Page 10: Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd. / Royal Haskoning Page 11: ASML Netherlands B.V. Page 12: Keukenhof Page 13: NL Agency Page 14: Europe Container Terminals BV, Rotterdam Page 15: NL Agency Page 16: Skills Netherlands Page 17: Skills Netherlands Page 18-19: Maarten Fleskens - Skills Netherlands Page 20: WorldSkills International Page 21: techniekbeeldbank.nu Page 28: techniekbeeldbank.nu Page 29: Groenten en Fruit Bureau Page 32: NL Agency Page 36: techniekbeeldbank.nu

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