Dutch youth: Investing in their own human capital
New figures released by the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) on the Dutch youth unemployment rate illustrate that the Netherlands is home to a unique and attractive pool of potential employees. The figures also highlight a reduction in the number of school drop outs in the Netherlands.
Lowest youth unemployment rate
According to the latest CBS statistics, the Dutch youth unemployment rate is the lowest in the European Union (EU) at just 7.4%.
In the EU as a whole, some 20% of youngsters aged 15 to 25 are without a job, with the highest rates recorded in southern and eastern countries.
Drop out decrease
Not only are Dutch youngsters less likely to be unemployed than their counterparts in other European countries, they are also more likely to stay in school and finish their education. The Dutch proportion of school drop outs has decreased from 15% to 10% in the period from 2001-2010.
The reduction indicates that the Netherlands complies exactly with the European standard. In comparison, there were fewer drop outs in the Netherlands than in Belgium, Germany, France and England.
Adult education
It’s not just the young that invest in their human capital. Some 16% of Dutch people aged above 25 are pursuing (various forms of) education - a relatively high percentage compared to other European countries. Only in Scandinavian countries are there more people engaged in adult education.
The fact that the Dutch are keen to invest in their own human capital contributes to their attractiveness as potential employees. Foreign companies interested in setting up shop in Europe can see that the Netherlands has a competitive edge over its neighbours.
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