Key Elements in Facilitating Student Transitions from Education to Work in The Netherlands

Famke de Boer (), Vera Schuurmans, Merel Wolf, Ada ter Maten-Speksnijder and Minne Bakker
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Famke de Boer: Expertise Centre for Vocational Education (ECBO), 5211 BP ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Vera Schuurmans: Firda, Research Group Lifelong Development, 8931 AH Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Merel Wolf: Expertise Centre for Vocational Education (ECBO), 5211 BP ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Ada ter Maten-Speksnijder: Albeda, Research Group Workplace Learning Centres, 3071 AL Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Minne Bakker: Expertise Centre for Vocational Education (ECBO), 5211 BP ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: Many vocational education and training (VET) students in the Netherlands struggle with the transition from education to the labour market, resulting in high dropout rates. VET institutions are actively seeking effective mechanisms to support their students during this transition. This research explored valuable strategies identified by education professionals to facilitate a sustainable transition from education to the labour market. This study employed a realistic evaluation framework using CIMO-logic (which focuses on the Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome) for analysis in order to gain insight into the processes of change. In total, four cases were studied at two Dutch educational institutions. The research followed an inductive approach using within-case and cross-case analyses. Five key elements were identified: skills and competencies, Self-insight, Self-efficacy, Building a professional network, and bridging education and practice. In school-to-work guidance for VET students, these elements are relevant to consider in guidance programs.

Keywords: school-to-work-transition; career guidance; professional development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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