Centres of Expertise

The Centres of Expertise on vocational education, training and the labour market are the institutions that develop the Dutch qualification structure for vocational education. Together with companies and schools they are responsible for senior secondary vocational education and training. 

The Netherlands have seventeen Centres of Expertise, organised around one sector or branche of industry. Besides developing qualification files and the qualification structure, they recruit training firms and monitor the quality of these training firms. 

Centres of Expertise and educational institutes ensure sufficient influx of new and qualified talent in the various branches. Together with the Centres of Expertise, the social partners, training firms, stakeholders on education and training and government make a contribution to good and attractive vocational education.

The interests of the Centres of Expertise on regional, national and international level are represented by their association Colo.