Purpose

Refugees face multiple barriers to employment, such as previous work experience and qualifications not recognized. The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences offers a higher vocational education and training (VET) dual program for highly-skilled refugees, in which education and work is combined. After completion of the two-year program, participants have gained new skills, learned (vocational) language, have work experience in the Netherlands and have a Dutch diploma. These are the factors that are decisive for successful employment integration.

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative study aimed to get insights into the participants' views and experiences with the dual program. A qualitative design has, therefore, been chosen. This article is based on 20 in-depth interviews with refugee-students. The transcribed qualitative data were systematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8 qualitative data analysis software.

Findings

Overall, students were positive about the opportunity to study further and to work simultaneously. They valued the close connection with employers, learned new skills, improved their (vocational) language, and it gave them professional prospects that fit their ambitions. Based on the experiences of students, it seems that the dual program enhances work-related capabilities. However, the University should make more use of existing professional knowledge and experiences. Recognition of prior learning is crucial for employment integration but also contributes to a sense of inclusion.

Originality/value

Higher VET dual programs for highly-skilled refugees are innovative and can contribute to their integration into the labor market. The associate degree is a recognized diploma between higher education and secondary vocational education.

中文翻译：

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努力实现抱负：荷兰难民的高等教育学习工作轨迹如何支持与工作相关的能力

目的

难民在就业方面面临多重障碍，例如以前的工作经验和资格不被承认。鹿特丹应用科技大学为高技能难民提供高等教育和培训（VET）双重计划，其中教育和工作相结合。完成为期两年的课程后，参与者获得了新技能，学习了（职业）语言，在荷兰有工作经验并获得了荷兰文凭。这些是成功就业整合的决定性因素。

设计/方法/方法

这项探索性研究旨在深入了解参与者对双重计划的看法和经验。因此，选择了定性设计。本文基于对难民学生的 20 次深度访谈。使用 ATLAS.ti 8 定性数据分析软件对转录的定性数据进行系统分析。

发现

总体而言，学生们对进一步学习和同时工作的机会持积极态度。他们重视与雇主的密切联系，学习新技能，改进他们的（职业）语言，并为他们提供符合他们抱负的职业前景。根据学生的经验，双重课程似乎增强了与工作相关的能力。但是，大学应该更多地利用现有的专业知识和经验。承认先前的学习对于就业整合至关重要，但也有助于增强包容感。

原创性/价值

针对高技能难民的更高 VET 双重计划具有创新性，有助于他们融入劳动力市场。副学士学位是高等教育和中等职业教育之间公认的文凭。