Training allowances in the Netherlands vary greatly. While one student receives 700 euros per month for training, another trainee receives nothing at all. In 2022, 44% of students will not receive a training allowance.
All students who undertake an internship should receive compensation, according to the student union LSVb and interest group ISO. The latter organisation, along with Try de Bond and CNV Jongeren, calls for a mandatory training allowance.
“Part-time students earn over €500 per month on average,” says Demi Janssen, head of ISO. She would like to see a training allowance approaching this amount. Students who train full-time have little time for part-time work.
Students can receive compensation from their employer for their training. This is not legally required in the Netherlands. Employers may determine the amount of any compensation themselves.
“Training is primarily about learning, not working,” says a spokesman for the employers’ association AWVN. The association does not approve a mandatory training allowance. “What a realistic training allowance is depends entirely on the training.”
Wages rise a little faster than the training allowance
Therefore, the training allowance is not a salary, but rather a type of expense allowance. On the other hand, an intern is not allowed to perform the work of a permanent employee. Training should really be about learning.
Training allowances rose slightly in line with inflation last year. Average compensation rose 3 percent in 2022, according to recruitment site Magnet.me. Collective labor agreement wages rose 3.8 percent that year.
Training is an important part of studying. Students can learn a lot by working for a company in their field of study.