The four institutions signed the Amsterdams Stagepact mbo, expressing their joint ambition to strengthen the quality and availability of mbo internships in Amsterdam.
The signing took place during a substantive meeting in the new University Library of the UvA. During this meeting, MBO students talked to representatives of the educational institutions and the municipality of Amsterdam about their experiences with work placements and their expectations for the future. On behalf of the institutions, rector magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek (UvA), chairman Margrethe Jonkman (VU Amsterdam), chairman Hans van Goudoever (Amsterdam UMC) and chairman Jopie Nooren (HvA) signed the pact, together with alderman Sofyan Mbarki.
Margrethe Jonkman stresses the importance of practical experience and cooperation:
"Gaining practical experience is an important preparation for after your studies. Not only to put into practice what you have learned, but also to build a network for later. This internship pact is a great example of how we as educational institutions together enable and strengthen this important exchange."
Investing in talent of the future
With the Amsterdams Stagepact mbo, Amsterdam's higher education institutions are jointly investing in the talent of the future, in all fields and forms of education. For VU Amsterdam, this fits within the broader social mission to contribute to an inclusive city and opportunities for all. Good internships are indispensable in this respect, especially as the demand for well-trained MBO professionals continues to grow. The internship pact offers mbo students prospects and contributes to a sustainable connection with the city and its educational institutions.
Four joint objectives
With the Amsterdams Stagepact mbo, the educational institutions commit to four concrete objectives that should contribute to better mbo internships:
- creating sufficient internship placements
- Preventing internship discrimination
- Improving the quality of internship guidance
- achieving an appropriate expense and internship allowance
Attractive and inclusive learning environment
For Amsterdam to remain a broad and strong educational city, it is essential that talent from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and can develop. This requires an attractive and inclusive learning and working environment, in which students and staff feel respected and appreciated. With the MBO Internship Pact, VU Amsterdam and its partners are taking an important step towards long-term commitment from MBO students and strengthening their position within the education and labour market.