Demand for retraining is greater than often assumed. The Haaglanden Leert Door training fund received so many applications that its budget was exhausted early in 2026. Thanks to additional funding, the scheme is now reopening, with around 250 extra training vouchers available.
Sectors such as healthcare, social care, construction, technology, ICT, education, childcare and public safety have faced staff shortages for several years. Interest in the fund shows that many people are willing to retrain for work in these areas, with financial support making it easier to take that step.
Since the fund began, more than 3,600 residents have sought advice or support. Almost 2,000 people applied for a training voucher, and more than 500 received one. Hundreds of participants have already started training for occupations where employers urgently need staff.
There is still considerable untapped potential. According to Nur Icar, The Hague’s alderman responsible for employment, the response challenges the assumption that people are reluctant to retrain. When given opportunities to develop their skills, many take them.
Demand was so high that the original budget was fully used, forcing the scheme to close temporarily. The funding ceiling is now increasing from €440,000 to €1,057,000, providing enough funding for approximately 250 additional vouchers.
Haaglanden Leert Door demonstrates how investing in lifelong learning can benefit individual residents while also addressing the persistent labour shortages affecting the Netherlands.
The vouchers are intended for residents of The Hague, Delft, Rijswijk, Midden-Delfland and Westland, aged 18 up to state pension age. People in work on lower incomes, workers whose highest qualification is no higher than mbo level 4, self-employed people and jobseekers who do not receive benefits may qualify. Mbo is the Dutch vocational education system.
The training must lead towards an occupation in a sector experiencing significant staff shortages. Applications can be submitted until 01 July 2027, provided funding remains available. A free advisory appointment forms part of the application process.
For international residents, the programme website and application guidance are in Dutch. The information does not confirm that all courses are taught exclusively in Dutch, or whether application support is available in English. Before choosing a course, ask an adviser about the language of teaching and assessment, any Dutch-language requirements and how qualifications obtained abroad are assessed.
You can contact the programme at contact@haaglandenleertdoor.nl.
More information and applications: Haaglanden Leert Door
How the application process works
Source: Municipality of The Hague press release, 15 October 2026. Additional practical information: Haaglanden Leert Door.