The signing took place during an in‑depth session at UvA’s new University Library, where experienced MBO students spoke with representatives of the educational institutions and the Municipality of Amsterdam. On behalf of the institutions, Rector Magnificus Peter‑Paul Verbeek (UvA), Chair Margrethe Jonkman (VU) and Chair Jopie Nooren (AUAS) and Chair Hans van Goudoever (Amsterdam UMC) signed the pact together with councillor Sofyan Mbarki. 

Mbarki explains: ‘Through the Amsterdams Stagepact MBO, more than a hundred organisations are already providing fair, high‑quality internships for MBO students. This gives them the opportunity to develop their skills and make a good start in the labour market.’ 

Sofie van Veen, intern at the UvA and student at Mediacollege Amsterdam, agrees: ‘I think the Dutch education system is very well put together. There are plenty of great programmes and courses at every level. But there are a lot of prejudices about the level you’re studying at: people say that MBO students are lazy, that the work is very easy, and that they wouldn’t be able to cope with assignments at a higher level. At the UvA, I experience the opposite: everyone thinks I’m doing brilliantly and no one cares which level I’m studying at.’ 

Investing in tomorrow’s talent 

Through the Amsterdams Stagepact MBO, Amsterdam’s higher education institutions are jointly investing in tomorrow’s talent across all disciplines and types of education. High‑quality internships are essential, especially at a time when demand for well‑trained MBO professionals continues to grow. The Stagepact is an important instrument for offering MBO students prospects and fostering lasting ties with the city and its educational institutions. 

Mbarki is pleased with the important step these education institutions are taking in coming on board. ‘As well as fulfilling their social responsibility, they will benefit from the professional expertise of MBO students, and a stronger collaboration will develop between MBO, HBO and WO.’ 

Four collective objectives 

Under the Amsterdams Stagepact MBO, the educational institutions commit to four concrete objectives to improve MBO internships: 

1. creating sufficient internship opportunities 
2. preventing internship discrimination 
3. improving the quality of internship supervision 
4. bring about appropriate expenses and internship allowance 

Attractive and inclusive learning environment 

To remain a diverse and strong city of education, it is important to attract talent with diverse backgrounds and skills and to enable them to develop. This calls for investment in an attractive and inclusive learning and working environment in which students and staff feel seen and valued. With the Stagepact MBO, Amsterdam’s educational institutions are taking an important step towards forging lasting ties with MBO students as well.