The shortage of technical students in Dutch University of Applied Science

In this academic year there are 19,681 young people enrolling in technical study in seventeen universities of applied sciences. It is a sharp growth of about 19% more than last academic year. However, according to Arie Kraaijeveld, Chairman of the Platform Beta Technology, this increase still does not meet to the objective of increasing 15% inflow of the studies in higher education in 2010 compared to 2000.

The universities of applied science are far behind the research universities regarding this issue.  Moreover, there is a decline of students in the universities of applied sciences studying engineer and engineer-related subjects compared to last year. “Only 9 universities of applied sciences do something about that issues, however, it is not enough to reach the common goal,” – said Kraajeveld.

Doelke Terpstra, chairman of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, the HBO Council, is more positive about that issue. "The inflow from the HAVO (Higher General Continued Education) has positively increased by 8%. However, the inflow from secondary vocational education does not increase. One reason is that there are substantial salaries paid to professionals" said Terpstra.

INHOLLAND is one of the universities of applied sciences that has failed this year to getting more students. Joke Snippe, a member of the board of directors of INHOLLAND, responded: "The fact that we still sit at the same level as last year also disappoints us. However, I do not agree with the criticism that we do too little. We are working tirelessly to increase the number of engineering students," she said “An example, we go to primary schools and we organize competitions where pupils designing robots with Lego. That kind of activity has only the long-term impact."

According to Arie Kraaijeveld, the key to success is to renovate training, so it can claim more young people. "Studies that include a social problem, such as water management, are attractive to young people. That does not mean that such studies are easier. Another renewal point is to attract girls to show that the "socialization" is spreading”. Kraaijeveld gave an example of the chairman of the 'domain' technique of the University of Amsterdam: "It is difficult to make the mechanical and electrical engineering department be lifted. Instead, he investigated where the ex-students had been and how he could turn. Now the training is called "engineering, design and innovation "and attracting students again."

TU Delft is working together with the University of Leiden and Erasmus University Rotterdam regarding the 50,000 students who study at the three schools, from today to be an entrepreneur.
 
Holland Program on Entrepeneurship (HOPE) called the initiative, which involves not only the three universities but also many companies such as ABN Amro, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and many well-known and lesser-known entrepreneurs to participate.

As a part of HOPE, within the next four years there will be new educational programs, business facilities and other organized activities outside the university for students, teachers and former students to encourage entrepreneurs. The innovative program was launched with a video message from Minister Van der Hoeven (CDA, economic affairs) in the Cruise Terminal in Rotterdam.

 (Source: Lexis Nexis)