2004

Abstract
Until 1975 lower vocational education in the Netherlands had a program length of either 3 or 4 years.
In 1975 all 3 year programs were extended to 4 years. This was accompanied by an increase of the compulsory school leaving age with one year.
We evaluate the long-term wage of effects of the extra year of lower vocational education using a difference-in-differences approach.
We find no beneficial effects from the change.

Keywords: vocational education, returns to education, difference-in-differences

JEL Codes: I21, I28, J24