Mbo internship pact for better compensation and against discrimination.

Mbo internship pact for better compensation and against discrimination.

Mbo students receive a suitable allowance for their internship. Moreover, there is more focus on creating enough internship places and better internship guidance. Many students still face internship discrimination, but this should become a thing of the past through a package of measures. These are some main points from the recently signed Stagepact mbo.

The Stagepact mbo contains a total of 55 measures and agreements signed by a wide group of youth organizations, mbo schools, unions, teachers, employers, and governments. The agreement is intended to run until 2027.

Financial changes

The agreement means good news for mbo students. They no longer have to pay high travel costs to get to their internship place. They will receive a travel allowance starting this year. Additionally, employers make extra agreements that are set down in collective labor agreements. Students who combine work and education get a work contract and salary that meet the legal amounts, in addition to the allowance.

Better support

Guidance will also be better. There will be three contact moments per internship between the student, education, and learning company, with at least one on the internship site. Moreover, it is up to the mbo programs to improve their internship policy so that students feel well prepared, informed, seen, and supported.

Internship discrimination

The Stagepact also states that the government, schools, and learning companies must work together to tackle internship discrimination. This happens partly by placing mbo students at a learning company without an application procedure. The so-called ‘click meetings’ between the intern and company, where they check for a match, will disappear. This way, personal characteristics no longer play a role.

Students needing more support

For students who need extra support, the disappearance of click meetings can be difficult. They depend on good preparation, tailored solutions, and a good match. It is important to be aware of this for students who especially need customized help. Ouders & Onderwijs has argued that the prejudices encountered by students with a support need should be included in the Stagepact. Hopefully, there is still room for this during the evaluation of the trial.

Mbo questions

Do you have a question about mbo? Then be sure to check our mbo theme page. You will find all important info there. Of course, you can also contact our staff at the Advice Point. For a listening ear or simply a clear answer to your question.