The financing of vocational education and training (VET) in the Netherlands was examined through an analysis of the following: economic, political, legal and administrative context of financing of the VET system; public and private funding of initial and continuing VET; funding of training for unemployed individuals; and the future of VET financing in the Netherlands. Between 1986 and 1996, both public and private funding of VET in the Netherlands increased by 55%. As part of a policy directed toward ensuring sufficient or improved training quality while reducing costs, the following changes have either already occurred in the Dutch system of delivering and funding VET or else are slated to occur soon: consolidation of the small, highly diverse schools offering initial vocational training into larger training centers; transition to a system of funding based on program quality and performance targets; delegation of responsibility of providing training for the unemployed to corporate bodies or municipal governments; and increase in the share of funds allocated for specific programs with specific targets. Whether these changes will improve the quality and efficiency of Dutch VET remains to be seen. (Eleven tables/figures are included. Appended are a glossary of acronyms and 16 references.) (MN)