A lifetime of learning has never made anyone worse off. And with the world changing at a rapid pace, it is all too important to stay up-to-date. Digitalization is increasing and globalization is making the world a smaller and smaller place. Are you standing still in your development ? Then you go backwards and before you know it you are unemployed because you cannot keep up with others who do keep developing. In addition, jobs are disappearing and new jobs are being created. Enough reasons to make the personal development budget accessible to everyone, which is what the government announced in June 2019. We are happy to explain what's behind it and what it can/will mean for you.
What does it entail?
In general, the Netherlands is pretty much at the forefront when it comes to lifelong learning and development. Yet it appears that many Dutch people do not regularly retrain themselves. And that, according to the government, has to change. And who are we to say we disagree? Go Rutte! To lower the threshold for further training, the cabinet replaces the tax deduction for training with the STAP budget (personal development budget). This will allow approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people per year to claim this development budget of €1000 to €2000 per person.
Why is it convenient?
We said it before: in today's world, to stand still is to go backwards. Jobs are disappearing and new jobs are being created. Are you in one of those jobs that will eventually disappear? Then the personal development budget makes it possible to retrain yourself for a new job. Not only for employees is this personal development budget a nice addition, but for employers too the development budget often comes in handy. On the one hand, they want their staff to be up-to-date in terms of knowledge, and on the other, they want them to be able to reach retirement age in good health. After all, dismissal is no fun for anyone.
E-book: Setting Goals
The world is changing at lightning speed. And that is exactly why personal development is extremely important. Setting goals is an important part. But why really? And how do you set the right goals? In this e-book we give you tools, tips & tricks and practical examples.
What is it going to do for you?
Very good to know what the development budget will mean for you personally, of course. First, it's nice to know that everyone is eligible. However, it does take into account whether someone is already receiving student grants or other forms of public funding for education. Has the government's budget run out? Then applications for the personal development budget are postponed to the next period.
Do you want to do an education soon? Then you can apply for the STAP budget. In doing so, you indicate the course for which you want to qualify. Is your application approved? Then the training institute receives the budget immediately and you are ready to go! How easy is that? Step by step this is how we make the (work) world a little smarter, better and more fun every day!
From when can we start using it?
When you can start using this personal development budget remains to be seen. The minister has indicated that this will not be possible before January 1, 2020. Just wait and see.
Source: central government