The abbreviation of Voorbereidend Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs is VMBO. In English, best translation is Preparatory middle-level vocational education.

Preparatory middle-level vocational education or VMBO as it is been called most of the time is the easiest form of education to complete. VMBO is divided in different levels. The highest level is called Theoretische leerweg (Theoretical learning path), followed by Gemengde leerweg (Mixed learning path), Kaderberoepsgerichte leerweg (Middle management-oriented learning path) and Basisberoepsgerichte leerweg (Basic profession-oriented learning path). Pupils following these levels of education can try to find a job after they graduate but especially pupils with a certificate in the higher levels of the VMBO can choose to continue their study at a MBO school.