Who is eligible for a contribution via the PPD Programme?
Professionals who work in the cultural and creative sector can submit an application to the Permanent Professional Development programme, also referred to as PPD Tool [Werktuig PPO]. If you temporarily have a job outside the sector due to the restrictions, you can still submit an application.
PPD Tool is intended to encourage the professional development and career opportunities of working people and jobseekers in the sector, who may have a variety of jobs at cultural and creative organisations. Freelancers who are registered under, for example, the arts, heritage, media or creative industries can also submit applications.
PPD Tool is not intended for people who want to find a job in the creative or cultural sector but who do not have the right qualifications (at least a certificate at senior secondary vocational education level 4 (MBO 4)). So if an accountant applies for a contribution to training to become a photographer, the application will be unsuccessful.
The industries which are included in the sector are listed here. Whether your business is actually included in the cultural or creative sector is assessed on an individual basis.
The programme is also open to part-time working people. Employees can submit an application if they have had an employment contract for at least 8 hours a week in the past year.
Applications can only be submitted by working people and jobseekers.
Which activities are eligible for support?
Applicants can apply for a contribution towards the costs of activities which are aimed at professional (so not personal) development. This does not just mean formal training, but also other activities which contribute to your development as a professional, such as coaching, apprenticeships, learning networks and self-initiated internships. The primary focus is on your plan and your learning objectives. Other important factors are your motivation, the ideas behind your idea and how you want to implement it. The activity has to start some time between 3 months before and 6 months after the date of your application.
Which costs are reimbursed?
The contribution via PPD Tool can be used for any costs which are essential, or obligatory, in order to be able to do and successfully complete the activity or studies. It can, for example, be used to cover course expenses and costs directly related to the course or studies, such as materials, textbooks and supervision. The contribution is not intended to be used for travel and accommodation costs. What is more, material costs will only be reimbursed if you can provide proof that the trainer has said that they are obligatory and provided they cannot be used in your business activities after you have completed your development pathway.
How is the amount of the contribution calculated?
We assume that working people and employers and clients will all contribute to the costs of training and development in the sector. After all, the permanent development of working people in the sector is not only in the interest of working people, but also that of employers and clients.
PPD Tool encourages this by contributing no more than 1/3 of the costs, up to a maximum of € 2,000.00 per 12 months. The other costs have to be financed by the applicant, the employer or another party. The total amount you receive via PPD Tool and from other parties may not exceed the total costs of your plan.
How often can I submit an application?
Although you can submit several applications per year, the PPD Tool payment will never exceed € 2,000.00 per 12 months across all applications.
How can an application be submitted?
Applications can only be submitted via www.werktuigPPO.nl. Applications submitted in any other way will not be processed. After you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email with the unique number which you should use in all further correspondence with PPD Tool.
How is the contribution granted?
If you have submitted your application, you will receive an email response from us within 5 working days (target) in which we will ask questions, grant the contribution, or reject the application. It may be that we have questions about your application and, if so, these will be sent to you in an email and you will be required to provide answers by email. If the contribution is granted, you will be able to start the PPD activity within the period of time you indicated in your application. If your application is rejected, we will explain why we are not going to issue a contribution.
How is the contribution paid via PPD Tool?
Applicants first pay the costs themselves and then submit a claim to PPD Tool when the activity has been completed. The precise instructions are included in the email which you receive if your application is approved. If you claim correctly, the contribution will be transferred to your bank account within 8 working days.
Can I receive an advance?
No, unless the PPD contribution is for more than € 1,000.00. In that case you can receive the amount over and above € 1,000.00 as an advance. If, for whatever reason, your PPD activity is not carried out by the set deadline, you will be obliged to repay this advance. In that case we will send you a notification to that effect. If the repayment is not forthcoming, PPD Tool will take steps to collect the amount in question.
If I do not agree with the decision, how can I make this known?
If we have rejected your application, or you do not agree to the amount of contribution, you can ask us to reconsider our decision. You can do this by sending us an email response with reasons within two weeks. In any event you must make it clear why you believe we have not abided by the rules.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about PPD Tool?
Answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found on the website. If the answer to your question is not listed, you can contact PPD Tool via mijnaanvraag@werktuigppo.nl. Please do not forget to state your application number when doing so.
Drawing up and amending the rules
The board of Platform ACCT, on which employers/clients and employees/freelancers are represented, has been given a budget and commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) to implement the PPD programme. This has to be done effectively and in accordance with legal requirements. That is why the board of Platform ACCT draws up the rules and can amend them from time to time as necessary.
In all instances not covered by these rules, the board of Platform ACCT will decide. It is not possible to object to this decision.
Fund depletion
PPD Tool is going to run until the end of 2024. After that the sector (organisations and working people) will be required to provide the resources for permanent professional development itself. If the fund becomes more depleted than expected during the first 4 years, the board can temporarily stop access to it.
