Popularity of “learning contracts” slumps
Fewer students choose to mix classroom learning with hands-on training
4,000 drop in 10 years
According to organiser Syntra, the Flemish agency for entrepreneurial training, the reason is that young people with learning contracts work for low pay and sometimes during holidays. There are currently about a thousand “vacancies” at enterprises and the classes are becoming too small to be financially sustainable.
“The system successfully improves youngsters’ working chances,” says MP Robrecht Bothuyne. “85% of graduates find a job after one year.” After five years, 40% of graduates are self-employed. Bothuyne suggests improving the connection with part-time professional education.
Photo credit: Ing Image

Educational system
million school-going children in 2013
million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013
percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma
- Education in Flanders
- Secondary education reform
- European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems