Professionals working in the cultural and creative sector in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom can apply for funding through the Permanent Professional Development Program, also known as Werktuig PPO. If you currently have a job outside the sector due to restrictive measures, you are still eligible to apply.
Werktuig PPO promotes the professional development and career opportunities of those working or seeking work in the sector. This includes people in various roles within cultural and creative organizations. Self-employed individuals registered under one of the branches of the arts, heritage, media, or creative industries can also apply.
Werktuig PPO is not intended for people who wish to start working in the cultural or creative sector but do not yet have the proper qualifications (minimum MBO level 4). For example, an accountant applying for a photography course is not eligible for funding.
You can view the branches considered part of the sector here. Whether your company is truly part of the cultural or creative sector is assessed individually.
The program is also open to part-time workers. Employees may apply if they have had an employment contract of at least 8 hours per week in the past year.
Applications can only be submitted by those who are currently working or actively seeking work.
What activities are eligible for support?
Applicants can request a contribution for activities focused on professional (not personal) development, with a minimum cost of €150 (excluding VAT). This includes not only formal education, but also other activities that contribute to your development as a professional. Think of coaching, master-apprentice programs, learning networks, and self-initiated internships. Your plan and learning goals are central. Your motivation, the rationale behind your idea, and how you plan to carry it out are important. The activity must start between 3 months before and 3 months after your application date.
Which costs are reimbursed?
The PPO contribution can be used for all costs that are necessary or mandatory to complete the activity or study successfully. This includes course fees and directly related costs such as materials, textbooks, and supervision. Travel and accommodation costs are not covered. Material costs will only be reimbursed if they are demonstrably required by the training provider and cannot be used in your business operations after the activity.
How is the amount of the contribution calculated?
We assume that workers, employers, and clients all contribute to the cost of education and development in the sector. Ongoing professional development benefits not only the workers themselves but also employers and clients.
Werktuig PPO encourages this by contributing up to one-third of the total cost, with a maximum of €2,250 per 12 months. The remaining costs must be covered by the applicant, their employer, or another party. The total contribution from Werktuig PPO and other parties may not exceed the total cost of your development plan.
How often can I apply?
You may be awarded a maximum of 4 applications per 12-month period (based on the application date). However, PPO will never reimburse more than €2,250 in total within 12 months. You are allowed to combine multiple activities into one application.
End date of the scheme
Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2025. The program may be extended after this date.
How can I submit an application?
Applications must be submitted via www.werktuigppo.nl. Applications submitted by other means will not be processed. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique reference number. Use this number in all further communication with Werktuig PPO.
How is the contribution granted?
After submitting your application, you will receive a response from us via email within 5 working days (target). We may ask additional questions about your application. These must be answered by email. Once your application is approved, you may begin your PPO activity within the timeframe stated in your application. If your application is rejected, we will explain the reason. There is no formal appeal process, but you may request a reconsideration of our decision with proper motivation.
How is the PPO contribution paid out?
You must first pay the costs yourself and then submit a reimbursement request to Werktuig PPO after completing the activity. Instructions will be provided in the approval email. If you submit your reimbursement correctly, the contribution will be transferred to your bank account within a month. The bank account must be in your name or that of your registered business (Chamber of Commerce).
What if I disagree with a decision?
If your application is rejected or you disagree with the amount of the contribution, you may request a reconsideration. This must be done by email within two weeks and include a well-argued explanation of why you believe the rules were not applied correctly.
Where can I ask questions about Werktuig PPO?
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the website. If your question is not listed, you can contact Werktuig PPO via: mijnaanvraag@werktuigppo.nl. Be sure to include your application number.
Establishing & Amending the Rules
The board of Platform ACCT, which includes representatives of employers/clients and employees/freelancers, has been assigned the budget and mandate from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) to implement the PPO program. This must be done in an effective and lawful manner. Therefore, the board of Platform ACCT establishes and, where necessary, may amend the rules during the program period.
In all cases not covered by these rules, the board of Platform ACCT will decide. No objections can be made against this decision.
Exhaustion of the Fund
Werktuig PPO runs until the end of 2025. If, during the year, the fund is depleted faster than expected, the board may temporarily suspend access to the fund.
