In the Netherlands, students in senior secondary vocational education (MBO) learn a large part of their trade at work. The companies that host them must be accredited for it. Our studio, listed as VR-Innovations, is one of those companies. On 16 September 2025 our recognition was extended to two new MBO qualifications in immersive technology. This article explains how the Dutch system works and why it can matter to partners in European projects.
What SBB is
SBB is the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (in Dutch: Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven). Education and employers work together in it. On the instructions of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, SBB:
- accredits and coaches work placement companies, for both work placements and apprenticeships;
- shapes the qualification structure for MBO;
- provides information about work placements and the labour market.
MBO students follow either a school-based pathway, with work placements, or a work-based pathway, as apprentices. In both, a real workplace is part of the programme, and only an accredited company can provide it. In Dutch such a company is called an erkend leerbedrijf: a recognised learning company.
What accreditation requires
A company has to apply for accreditation, and SBB checks it against a set of conditions. In SBB's own summary, an accredited company:
- offers students a good and safe workplace where they can practise the activities of their future profession;
- appoints a workplace trainer who knows the requirements of the training course, and gives that trainer the time and resources to coach students on the job;
- is willing to cooperate with the school and with SBB, and shares the information needed for that;
- agrees to its details being published on Stagemarkt.nl and Leerbanenmarkt.nl, where students look for placements and apprenticeships.
Accreditation is given per qualification, and it is not permanent by default: SBB's work placement advisor can withdraw it if a company no longer meets the conditions or if students' interests are harmed.
Our recognition
Our studio has been an SBB-recognised learning company since 19 July 2017 (Leerbedrijf ID 100458548, listed as VR-Innovations). As of 16 September 2025, the recognition covers five MBO qualifications, all at level 4:
| Qualification (Dutch name) | Recognised since |
|---|---|
| Mediavormgever (media designer) | 19 July 2017 |
| Software developer | 5 June 2018 |
| Marketing & Communication Specialist | 4 November 2024 |
| Immersief technicus (immersive technician) | 16 September 2025 |
| Immersief ontwerper (immersive designer) | 16 September 2025 |
As their names say, the two newest qualifications are about immersive technology: one on the technical side, one on design. That is the core of our studio's work in VR and AR.
We are a small company, and we host about five learners every six months. Learning at work is part of how the studio runs, not an add-on. More about how we host and mentor learners is on our apprenticeship programme page.
Why it matters to project partners
European projects in adult education and vocational training often ask partners to show that they understand learners, not only technology. An SBB recognition is useful evidence of that, for four reasons.
It is checked by a third party. The recognition is granted by SBB against published conditions, and anyone can look it up on Stagemarkt.nl. It is not a label we gave ourselves.
It means a workplace trainer and a school relationship. Accredited companies appoint a workplace trainer and work with MBO schools. In a consortium, that brings everyday experience of coaching young adults and of aligning work with a curriculum.
It is tied to specific qualifications. Partners can see exactly which vocations we train for. For projects about digital and immersive skills, the two immersive qualifications are directly relevant.
It keeps us close to the learner. A studio that coaches learners at work has to think about clear instructions and realistic tasks, which is also what good learning tools need.
What it does not mean: SBB recognition is not a quality mark for our products, and it does not make us an education provider. It says that we are an accredited place to learn a trade.
If you are building a consortium in adult education or VET, read about our work in adult education and skills development, or see how to partner with us.
Sources
- SBB: about SBB (English): full name and tasks.
- SBB: conditions for accreditation: workplace, workplace trainer, cooperation, publication, withdrawal.
- Stagemarkt.nl: public register of accredited learning companies, including VR-Innovations (Leerbedrijf ID 100458548) and its recognised qualifications.
