The Organisation

In Dutch the abbreviation ROCvA stands for 'Regional Community College of Amsterdam'. We are a foundation under Dutch law, initiated by the local and national government in 1997. We service Amsterdam and the nearby townships of Amstelveen, Hoofddorp and Hilversum.

Like community colleges in other countries we focus on vocational education and training for students from the age of 12 and adults in our region. We are one of the largest community colleges in Europe with some 35,000 students and 3,500 part-time and full-time staff spread over roughly 60 locations.

Vocational training and education

Our offering comprises long-term and short-term courses in vocational education, apprenticeships and adult education. This includes customised courses for the private and non-profit sector. We work closely with the business community to provide these courses across a wide range of specialities.

Accommodations

Quality training requires quality facilities. This principle is reflected in our accommodations. The buildings also reflect the meshing of theory and practice, which is at the heart of vocational training and education in the Netherlands.

Course options / levels

Our full-time college-based route combines study with hands-on training in the workplace. The part-time option is a work-based route - with part-time education and apprenticeship slotted together. The courses come in four levels (as defined by the Dutch Adult & Vocational Education Act and in line with European-SEDOC classification). Students at the highest level can go on to university/college equivalent studies.