What Vakwijs B.V. does

Vakwijs B.V. (legal name Vakwijs Opleidingen B.V.) is a Dutch private technical training organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in Schiedam, Zuid-Holland. The company delivers practice-oriented vocational training across nine owned training centers distributed throughout the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Apeldoorn, Den Bosch, Goes, Groningen, Heerhugowaard, Maarssen, Schiedam, Stein), covering six core disciplines: electrical technology, installation technology, welding, measurement and control technology, mechanical engineering, and work preparation. Curriculum leads to industry-recognized credentials including NIL welding diplomas (levels 1-4), international IIW certifications (IWP, IWT, IWS), NEN electrical safety certifications, and NLQF-levelled MBO qualifications with EQF European comparability.

The training model is built on hands-on practical instruction using real equipment in dedicated facilities, supplemented by mobile training skids for on-site delivery at client locations. Courses are modular, allowing customized learning paths; theory components are sometimes delivered via e-learning while practical work occurs in person. Pricing is structured on a one-time per-participant basis ranging from approximately €2,510 to €4,095 per course (excluding Dutch VAT), with exam fees included. The company operates a digital career planning tool ("Vakwijzer") that helps learners map training trajectories. GTM combines direct B2B sales to enterprise employers with industry partnerships, government-subsidized training programs (OOM, JTF Rijnmond), and referral networks through organizations such as Goflex Young Professionals, Strevon, and Wij Techniek.

Vakwijs is part of the Goflex Young Professionals B.V. group and holds the NRTO Keurmerk quality certification. Named enterprise customers span industrial services, energy, construction, and installation sectors and include EQUANS, Shell, SPIE, Stork, Unica, BAM, Heijmans, SABIC, Sitech, Strukton, Kuijpers, Tata Steel, Actemium, Croonwolter&dros, Hoppenbrouwers, and Volta NXT. The company also serves individual learners, career changers (zij-instromers), and BBL apprentices. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Vakwijs B.V.

Legal name

Vakwijs Opleidingen B.V.

Website

https://vakwijs.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vakwijs B.V. is a Dutch private vocational training provider operating nine training centers nationwide, delivering practice-oriented technical certification courses (welding, electrical, installation, mechanical, instrumentation) to industrial enterprise employers and individual learners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technical Vocational Training

NAICS

Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Arc Welding (SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/GTAW) Training (EDAOADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Welding Codes, Safety & Compliance Training (AWS/ASME/OSHA) (EDAOADAG), Aluminum, Stainless & Specialty Metals Welding Training (EDAOADAL), Sheet Metal Fabrication & Light-Gauge Metalwork Training (EDAOADAD)

Keywords

• Technical vocational training
• Welding certification courses
• Electrical safety training
• Installation technology training
• Industrial skills education

Headquarters

HQ city

Schiedam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Technical Training Courses: Vakwijs generates revenue through fee-based technical training courses and certifications. Course prices are listed per program with exam fees included. Pricing varies by course type, level, and duration. Course fees are charged per participant and can be paid by employers (B2B) or individuals (B2C).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Vakwijs B.V. delivers practice-oriented technical training across nine training centers in the Netherlands, covering electrical technology, installation technology, welding, measurement and control technology, mechanical engineering, and work preparation. The portfolio includes NIL welding diplomas (levels 1-4), NEN electrical safety certifications (NEN 3140, NEN 1010, NEN 4010), international welding certifications (IWP/IWT/IWS), and NLQF-levelled MBO qualifications. Training is delivered hands-on with real equipment, supplemented by e-learning for theory modules, and is available both at Vakwijs centers and on client premises using mobile training equipment.

Product overview

Vakwijs B.V. operates as a modular technical training platform offering practice-oriented vocational education across nine training centers in the Netherlands. The portfolio is organized into six core training categories—Elektrotechniek, Installatietechniek, Lassen, Meet- en regeltechniek, Werktuigbouw, and Werkvoorbereiding—supplemented by Soft Skills and Veiligheidstraining modules. The company provides certification pathways including NIL welding diplomas (levels 1-4), international IWP/IWT/IWS credentials, NEN electrical safety certifications, and NLQF-levelled MBO qualifications. The Vakwijzer digital tool enables career planning and module selection. Training is delivered through hands-on practical sessions in company-owned facilities, with some courses available in blended (e-learning + practical) or in-house formats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Elektrotechniek (Electrical Technology) Training Comprehensive electrical technology training covering residential, industrial, and utility applications including NEN 3140/1010/4010 safety certifications, panel building, PLC technology, and Smart Infra installations, for technicians and installers in the Netherlands.
• Installatietechniek (Installation Technology) Training Installation technology training covering central heating, sanitation, climate control, HVAC, refrigeration, and heat pump systems for residential and utility installers.
• Lassen (Welding) Training Professional welding courses covering TIG, MIG, MAG, MMA (BMBE), and autogenous welding at NIL levels 1-4, leading to NIL diplomas and international certifications (IWP, IWT, IWS).
• Meet- en regeltechniek (Measurement and Control Technology) Training Instrumentation and control technology training covering pressure, flow, level, and temperature measurements, control valves, signal transmission, and field instrumentation.
• Werktuigbouw (Mechanical Engineering) Training Mechanical engineering training including mechanical maintenance, rotating equipment, bearing technology, pump technology, alignment, mechanical seals, and pipe fitting.
• Werkvoorbereiding (Work Preparation) Training Training for planning and preparation of technical work including work preparation basics (WEVO) and project coordination skills.
• Veiligheidstraining (Safety Training) Safety certification courses including VCA, ATEX (explosive safety), NEN standards, LOTO (Lockout Tagout), and SOG certifications for technical professionals.
• MBO Opleidingen (MBO Vocational Diplomas) MBO-level vocational education programs including MBO2 Monteur Elektrotechnische Installaties and various NLQF-levelled qualifications delivered in collaboration with ROC partners and the third learning pathway.
• International Welding Certifications (IWP, IWT, IWS) International welding certification programs (International Welding Practitioner, Technologist, and Specialist) administered under NIL/IIW auspices for master welders and welding engineers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Recognized European welding certifications through NIL/IIW
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Goflex Young Professionals B.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVakwijs is part of the Goflex Young Professionals network. Goflex is a specialized training company in technical fields that trains students for their clients. Vakwijs provides practical training while Goflex handles student placement with employers. Goflex is recognized as an SBB-approved learning company (erkend leerbedrijf).
• OOM (Opleiding en Ontwikkeling Metaalbewerking)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOOM is the industry training fund for metalworking industries. They offer the Kickstart subsidy program for new employees at member companies, providing up to €4,000 for training that matches the employee's new job. Vakwijs courses are eligible for OOM Kickstart funding.
• Nederlands Instituut voor Lastechniek (NIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe NIL is an independent foundation that administers welding certification exams. Vakwijs courses are examined and certified under NIL auspices, providing internationally recognized welding qualifications (NIL levels 1-4) through the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
• StrevonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrevon organizes orientation events for side-entrants interested in technical careers. They collaborate with Vakwijs to provide practical experience through Vakwijs training centers, helping potential technicians make informed career decisions.
• Wij TechniekminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWij Techniek is an industry initiative supporting workforce development in technical sectors. They connect job seekers and side-entrants with training providers like Vakwijs, facilitating the Kickstart subsidy for eligible participants.
• JTF (Just Transition Fund) RijnmondminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEuropean JTF fund supporting training in the Rijnmond region. Vakwijs participates in this subsidy program offering training vouchers up to €2,500 for residents of the Rijnmond area seeking technical careers in the energy transition.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• CROW: CROW is a Dutch knowledge and training platform focused on infrastructure, construction, and public works. Overlaps with Vakwijs on construction and infra-sector technical training delivery for Dutch enterprise and government clients.

Direct peers

• NTI: NTI is a major Dutch online vocational training provider offering flexible, modular courses across technical and professional fields. Comparable on modular course structure and adult-learner/side-entrant market, though delivery is primarily online rather than hands-on.
• Vakwerk Opleidingen: Vakwerk Opleidingen is a Dutch vocational training provider focused on technical trades and safety certifications. Comparable on trade-focused practical training, BBL/apprenticeship pathways, and side-entrant upskilling for industrial clients.
• NCOI: NCOI is one of the largest private vocational and professional training providers in the Netherlands, serving working professionals with modular, employer-funded programs. Comparable B2B training platform model, modular structure, and Dutch enterprise customer overlap.
• Cinop: Cinop is a Dutch consultancy and training provider focused on vocational education, workforce development, and BBL learning pathways. Comparable on BBL/installation technology training design, employer engagement, and Dutch side-entrant reskilling programs.
• NEN / NEN Training: NEN Training delivers standards-based certification courses (NEN 3140, NEN 1010) for electrical and safety professionals. Directly competes with Vakwijs on electrical safety certification delivery and enterprise compliance training.
• ROVC: ROVC is a Dutch technical training provider for the industrial sector, offering practice-oriented courses in maintenance, welding, and process technology. Directly comparable to Vakwijs on technical training content, B2B sales motion, and Dutch enterprise customer base.

Regional players

• Saxion Next: Saxion Next is the professional training arm of Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, offering part-time technical and management programs. Comparable on Dutch workforce upskilling and credentialed technical training, though anchored to a higher education institution.

Broad incumbents

• Kiwa: Kiwa is a global testing, inspection, and certification company that also offers vocational training and certification programs. Comparable on certification-driven training, employer-funded upskilling, and NEN/industry-recognized credentials in the Netherlands.
• TÜV Nederland: TÜV Nederland delivers certification and training services across technical, safety, and management domains. Overlaps with Vakwijs on safety training (VCA, ATEX), NEN standards, and enterprise compliance upskilling, though broader in scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/vakwijs-b-v-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vakwijs B.V.