Educational institutions, companies and governments in the Lifeport Region Arnhem Nijmegen expressed their joint commitment to better mbo traineeships on Monday 13 April 2026. With the Lifeport Regional Internship Pact, they jointly take responsibility for sufficient, high-quality and fair internship and apprenticeship placements for MBO students.
This joint effort is badly needed. Many MBO students in the region are still struggling to find suitable internships, while at the same time companies are struggling with persistent staff shortages. The pact thus marks an important step towards equal opportunities for students and a stronger connection between education and the labour market.
The Lifeport Regional Internship Pact came about from a shared conviction: mbo students are indispensable for the regional economy of today and tomorrow. Good internships are a crucial link in their education and at the same time an investment in future craftsmanship, innovation and sustainable employability.
Working together on better internships
The pact is a collaboration between ROC Nijmegen, Rijn IJssel, Astrum College, Yuverta mbo Nijmegen and Velp, the Kennispunt BPV of the MBO Council, the Collaboration Organisation for Vocational Education and Training Industry (SBB), The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen and now 32 employers. By joining forces, the partners want to tackle structural bottlenecks around traineeships and prevent the responsibility from falling unilaterally on education or students.
During the meeting, where the pact was officially signed in Rijn IJssel's White Villa, students shared their experiences. Some told of receiving dozens of rejections before finding a placement. In a panel discussion with representatives from education, business and government, the importance of good supervision, a safe learning environment and genuine attention for the student was underlined. They also mentioned where cooperation between education and business is still lacking and the importance of taking joint responsibility for sufficient internships and equal opportunities. The shared ambition: a region in which every student has access to a suitable work placement and can develop to their full potential.
Karina Visscher, director of Rijn IJssel:
"With this internship pact, we are taking a historic step for equal internship opportunities in our region. Together, we take responsibility for ensuring that every talent is seen and given the chance to develop. Together, we can make a real difference."
Four joint ambitions
The Internship Pact focuses on four central objectives that are essential for an inclusive and future-proof labour market:
- Sufficient and suitable traineeships and apprenticeships for all MBO students
- Good guidance on the shop floor, in cooperation with education
- An appropriate internship allowance in recognition of student commitment
- Actively combating internship discrimination and promoting equal opportunities
Anchoring these agreements regionally creates more clarity, equivalence and continuity for students and employers.
Internship as key to regional future
Employers play a key role within the Internship Pact. By investing in quality guidance and a safe learning climate, they not only contribute to the development of students, but also strengthen their own organisation and the labour market as a whole. During the meeting, companies shared inspiring practical examples of how they invest in talent development and quality internships.
Keynote speaker Bastiaan Neurink emphasised the wider importance: "Equal opportunities for MBO students are essential for a resilient regional economy."
The Lifeport Regional Work Placement Pact is an initiative of the Human Capital Agreement and is evolving into a broad regional movement that contributes to a stronger and future-proof labour market in the region.
Adam Galijašević, programme manager Human Capital: "We cannot keep talking about shortages, while talent stands by the wayside. With this pact, we ensure that students and employers do find each other. Essential for their future, that of employers and our region."
The number of affiliated partners continues to grow; not all partners are visible on the internship pact board.
Invitation to the region: from talking to doing
Companies are cordially invited to join the pact and contribute to sufficient and high-quality internships for MBO students.
Together, the partners build a region where every talent is seen, used and appreciated, starting with a good internship.
Would you like to find out more or join the Lifeport Regional Work Placement Pact? Please get in touch via arbeidsmarkt@theeconomicboard.com.
