More than one million people in non-funded education

In 2006 an average 1.1 million people aged between 17 and 65 years participated in some form of non-funded education. This includes courses for work or recreational purposes, but also long-term training courses such as in accountancy or secondary education (havo or vwo) at a commercial institution. These 1.1 million participants account for 10.6 percent of the population aged between 17 and 65 years. The percentage has fallen slightly since 2003.

Participation in non-funded education (17 to 65 years)

Most courses work related

Most participants (79 percent) did courses related to their work. Either to improve their chances of promotion or to increase their chances of finding a job. One work-related form of education is company training courses. Just over 30 percent of participants had done a company course.

Twelve percent of the population did a written course, and only 8 percent were in full-time education. Non-funded courses last for about one year on average, but the duration varies widely: from one week to three years or longer. 

Most participants have higher education level

Sixteen percent of people who had completed higher education took part in non-funded education. This is a much higher percentage than among those with lower education levels. In the age group 17 to 65 years, 6 percent of people with pre-vocational education (vmbo) as highest completed level were in some form of non-funded education. For those with secondary (havo, vwo) and senior secondary vocational (mbo) education this was 11 percent.

Participation in non-funded education by previous level of education and position on the labour market, 2006*

Working people more likely to participate

Thirteen percent of people who had a job were in non-funded education. Unemployed people and people not active on the labour market were less likely to participate: 10 and 5 percent respectively.

Fewer over-45s participate

People aged between 25 and 44 years in particular participate in non-funded education. Participation gradually decreases after the age of 45. For young people participation is lower, as they are often still in regular funded education.

Participation in non-funded education by sex and age, 2006*

Men and women are equally likely to participate in non-funded education. Nearly half of  men do economic-legal courses. Women are also most likely to choose this option, but are also more interested in social and cultural courses and general education.

Marijke Hartgers