Becoming unemployed can bring a lot of uncertainty. At the same time, it can also be an opportunity to rethink your career path. You may want to move into a new industry, learn a skill that is in high demand, or improve your qualifications to increase your chances of finding work again. In the Netherlands, the UWV offers support for training and reskilling in certain situations through what is commonly referred to as the UWV training budget (UWV Scholingsbudget).
In this article, we explain objectively what the UWV training budget is, who it is for, how it works, and why reskilling can be a valuable step toward new employment opportunities.
What is the UWV training budget?
The UWV (Employee Insurance Agency in the Netherlands) can help fund training or education if it is considered necessary to help someone return to work. The purpose of this support is to improve a job seeker’s long-term employment prospects by investing in skills and professional development.
The training budget is not an automatic grant that everyone receives. The UWV assesses each situation individually and determines whether a training programme is necessary and suitable. During this process, the UWV looks at factors such as:
Employment opportunities within the chosen field;
The personal situation of the applicant;
Previous education and work experience;
Whether the training will realistically improve the person’s chances of finding work.
If approved, the UWV may cover part or all of the tuition costs. In some cases, people can also continue receiving benefits while attending the programme.
Who is eligible?
The UWV training budget is intended for people receiving benefits who need additional support to re-enter the labour market. This may include individuals receiving:
Unemployment benefits (WW);
WIA disability benefits;
Wajong benefits;
Sickness benefits.
The funding is mainly aimed at people whose current job prospects are limited and who could significantly improve their employability through retraining or upskilling.
The UWV often prioritises training programmes that lead to so-called shortage occupations (kansrijke beroepen). Professions where employers are struggling to find qualified workers and where demand remains high.
How does the application process work?
The process usually starts with a conversation with a UWV advisor or job coach. Together, they assess the person’s current situation, career goals, interests, and opportunities on the labour market.
The UWV then evaluates whether education or training is the best route toward sustainable employment. Several conditions apply. For example, the programme must:
Improve the candidate’s employment opportunities;
Match the candidate’s abilities and background;
Be realistic and achievable;
Lead toward a field with strong labour market demand.
It is important to note that approval from the UWV must be obtained before starting the programme. Without prior approval, training costs are generally not reimbursed.
The amount of funding depends on the individual case and the programme chosen. In some situations, the UWV only covers tuition fees, while in others, additional expenses such as study materials may also be included.
Why reskilling during unemployment can be valuable
Although unemployment can be a difficult period, it can also be the right time to invest in personal and professional development. The labour market is changing rapidly due to automation, digitalisation, and technological innovation. Some professions are disappearing, while others are growing quickly.
For people struggling to find work in their current field, retraining can provide access to industries with stronger demand and better long-term prospects.
Research by the UWV shows that education and training can significantly improve the chances of returning to sustainable employment. Employers are also increasingly focused on skills and practical knowledge rather than only previous job titles or formal education.
In sectors facing labour shortages, companies are often willing to hire people from different professional backgrounds, as long as they have the right skills, motivation, and willingness to learn.
IT and digitalisation continue to offer strong career opportunities
One of the sectors with ongoing labour shortages in the Netherlands is the IT industry. According to UWV labour market data, ICT-related professions continue to rank among the country’s most promising career paths.
Even though vacancy numbers have fluctuated in recent years, the demand for IT professionals remains high. At the end of 2025, there were still nearly 18,800 open ICT vacancies across the Netherlands. In many regions, the labour market for IT roles is still considered “tight to very tight.”
This demand is largely driven by the continued digitalisation of businesses and organisations. Almost every industry — including healthcare, logistics, finance, retail, and government, increasingly relies on technology, data, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and software development.
As a result, there is continued demand for professionals in areas such as:
Data Analytics;
Software Development;
Cybersecurity;
UX/UI Design;
Cloud Engineering;
Digital Marketing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also accelerating the need for digital skills. While AI is transforming certain types of work, it is simultaneously creating new opportunities and increasing demand for technically skilled professionals.
For unemployed individuals considering a career change, retraining into the tech sector can therefore be an attractive option due to the strong job market, future growth, and long-term career potential.
Conclusion
The UWV training budget can be an important resource for unemployed individuals looking to improve their career prospects through education or reskilling. The programme is designed to support people in transitioning toward sustainable employment, particularly in industries where labour shortages continue to exist.
Although approval depends on each individual situation, the programme offers many people the opportunity to develop new skills and move into a more future-proof career path.
As digitalisation continues to transform the labour market, professional development and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. Especially within the IT sector, demand for qualified professionals remains high and all indications suggest that this demand will continue to grow in the years ahead.
