What is really behind the high dropout in mbo?.

What is really behind the high dropout in mbo?.

Green pick means that mbo students stop their education early because employers 'pick' them away to start working immediately. This was often mentioned in the House of Representatives as a main reason for dropout, but this is not the case. What is really going on?

New research shows a different picture 

Recent research shows something else. An analysis by the Economic Statistical Bureau (ESB) shows that mbo students do not stop early more often because of work. In fact, green pick happens much less than thought. Earlier this year, the study by Ingrado and Regioplan came to the same conclusion. 

Young people therefore do not massively choose a job over their diploma. The idea that employers actively take students away seems much smaller than before. Researchers do see that the group of early school leavers is still there, but the causes are often elsewhere than early entry into the labor market. 

Where does the dropout come from then? 

The choice to stop an mbo education often has other reasons than work alone. Young people often say they do not feel comfortable at school, the training does not suit them, or the right support is missing. It can also be hard to find an internship, which is a key part of many mbo studies.  

Personal factors can also play a role: some students have worries at home or feel pressure to earn money, while others find learning hard. Often young people drop out first and then start working. The idea that employers actively lure them away is therefore not the main reason. 

What can you do as a parent? 

If your child considers stopping school or if the school wants to remove your child, it is good to look together at the real reason. Is there something at school that can be better? Is more guidance needed? Or is something going on at home? Talk with your child and try to find the best solution together.