Chamber wants to cancel a discount on practical learning
The Lower House unanimously wants the cabinet to reverse the discount of 19,5 million euros on the subsidy scheme for practical learning in MBO. All parties support a motion for this. This concerns the subsidy that employers receive when they offer an apprenticeship workplace to young people who follow the vocational training pathway (BBL).
Image: Techniekbeeldbank.nu
PvdA MP Lodewijk Asscher served last Friday during the General Discussions his motion in which apprenticeships in MBO must 'save'. He urged the cabinet to refrain from cutting back on apprenticeships. "It seems to me a really bizarre idea to cut back on these young people now, at this time," Asscher said during the debate. The PvdA member received the support of the entire House of Representatives for his motion.
In his motion, Asscher asks the cabinet to increase the budget of the Ministry of Education by 19,5 million euros. The cabinet must seek cover outside the budget of the Ministry of Education. Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD) already indicated during the reflections that Asscher has a point and said that he would await the proposals.
Member of Parliament Lodewijk Asscher (PvdA): 'I think it's a really bizarre idea to cut back on these young people now, in this day and age'
Cuts
With Budget Day was just announced that the cabinet intended to cut back on the subsidy scheme in MBO. This is to cover the costs of new budget setbacks for 2019. Employers now receive 2700 euros if they offer a training workshop to a young person who wants to learn to be a welder, mechanic or cook. That would be 2500 euros per workshop.
Before the summer, MP Mahir Alkaya of the SP did with an amendment already an attempt to stop cutbacks in apprenticeships. Then only the opposition supported him and he just missed out on a majority. Now government parties VVD, CDA, D66 and ChristenUnie also support Asscher's motion.
Fair
The representative of small and medium-sized businesses, MKB Nederland, is happy that the discount seems off the track. However, the organization believes that the minister must confirm that the subsidy will continue to exist for a long time and that investments will be made for this. 'It's not fair that apprenticeship companies have to fear cutbacks or even the continuation of the scheme every year. That uncertainty is bad for companies, but also for MBO students and the labor market.'
