Caretaker education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf has written to this year’s pre-college and pre-university school leavers to suggest they check out trade school courses when deciding what to do next.

The letter was sent to all 200,000 secondary school pupils who have completed VWO and Havo streams on Tuesday.

“Ask yourself what gives you pleasure and satisfaction and where your future lies,” Dijkgraaf said. “It will increase your chances of successfully completing your education. And don’t just look at the level.”

Dijkgraaf has criticised the concept of “high” and “low” levels of education several times during his tenure.

The minister pointed out that there is a shortage of skilled craftspeople in the Netherlands and plenty of challenges to be met. “Think about the transition to clean energy, construction and healthcare: the people who will install the heat pumps, build the houses and take care of the elderly,” he said.