Rob Jetten, the Minister for Climate and Energy, also contributes positively to the MBO bag at the opening. As the son of a teacher who worked in secondary vocational education for decades, he says he is happy to be at the opening: “The assignments we face in the Netherlands will only succeed with good professionals who work in the climate industry.”
“There are really thousands of jobs up for grabs in technology and greening, often with good salaries,” Jetten points out. “So it’s good to show that choosing a job in the energy transition is also a very smart choice.” According to the minister, students should be proud of what, in his view, is a crucial craftsmanship that they learn in MBO and that they will be extremely important in the coming years to make the Netherlands greener.
Vocational education students often notice themselves that they are looked at somewhat condescendingly. “When it comes to college, it’s this,” says student La Rose, raising her hand high in the air. “And if you’re talking about MBO, then it’s this.” She slides her hand down. “I think MBO should receive more recognition. We also count. We do so much for society, it would be a real shame if that faded into the background.”
That they count and are razor sharp is apparent from the craftsmanship that student Jolanda van Dijk showed during the renovation of the school building. “We got the design from the architect. It wasn’t quite right, so I had to redo everything,” she says proudly. Together with other students, she will talk to Minister Rob Jetten today during the opening of the school year.
At the end of the festive season, La Rose proudly walks to the stage where Rob Jetten is standing. In her hand the costume cover that contains her design. “Shall I open it while you hold it?”, Minister Jetten asks. An exciting moment, the unveiling. “Wow”, is the first thing Jetten says about the sustainable jacket.
“It’s almost Budget Day, then all ministers always have to wear such a boring black suit. So unfortunately I can’t wear it. But maybe as the youngest minister I can change that,” he ends with a wink. Either way, La Rose is proud. A minister will soon wear her creation, as a kind of walking sign for one of the many beautiful things that secondary vocational education has to offer.