HRD Education in the Netherlands

The Problem There is hardly any information in English available on human resource development (HRD) education in the Netherlands, although the practice of HRD in this country is flourishing and HRD education is growing, especially within the private sector. Almost all relevant information is in Dutch, which makes it difficult for non-Dutch-speaking scholars and practitioners to appreciate the significant investments that have been made in HRD and HRD education in the Netherlands. The Solution This article brings together a wide range of information about academic and non-academic HRD programs, Dutch HRD professional associations, and HRD certification and accreditation efforts in the Netherlands. This information is grounded in an overview of the emergence of HRD/lifelong learning initiatives over the past three centuries. The Stakeholders Scholars and practitioners interested in the history and current status of HRD and HRD education in the Netherlands, especially those who do not speak Dutch, will benefit from the information provided in this article. People looking to enroll in an academic or non-academic HRD program or those who seek professional associations, accreditation, or certification in the Netherlands will also find this article useful. Keywords: HRD education, Netherlands, history of HRD, professional associations, academic program