Dutch STAP budget fully allocated within three hours with 38,000 people registering for education

The Dutch government's STAP budget, which subsidizes education to increase employment opportunities, was fully allocated within three hours, with 38,000 people successfully registering, according to the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). This round had 34 million euros available, with a maximum of 1,000 euros per person. 

The registration period opened at 10:00 am, and the UWV closed the enrollment portal at 1:00 pm. The UWV explained that individuals who wanted to register needed to log in before 10:00 am. Once the enrollment portal opened, a random queue formed, with 159,000 people registering. 

Education is viewed as a crucial solution to address labor market shortages. The STAP budget helps individuals who previously could not afford to pursue further education. However, last week's Spring Memorandum stated that the STAP regulation will end on January 1, 2022, saving the Dutch government around 200 million euros. The STAP regulation was introduced last year, replacing tax deductions for study costs, which was less accessible to individuals with lower incomes who could not always afford to pay for education upfront. 

The UWV is concerned that the end of the STAP budget will limit opportunities for individuals to pursue further education to improve their employability, particularly given the current labor shortages. Education providers are also puzzled about the government's decision to end the program, stating that this was the first time that the government successfully stimulated people to pursue further education. 

The UWV still offers other educational opportunities, such as reskilling programs for individuals receiving WW, Wajong, or WIA benefits, and the Learning Work Center for employed individuals. The UWV collaborates with municipalities and regional partners to provide support in finding appropriate educational opportunities. 

 The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Van Gennip, intends to explore other ways to stimulate education and development opportunities. The STAP budget may end, but the Dutch government acknowledges the importance of education to improve employment opportunities and the economy.