The number of mid-level vocational jobs has risen by almost a tenth in the last six months, according to a new report.

Young people with an MBO diploma are finding more jobs, especially in retail and the hospitality, causing a fall in unemployment benefit claims, the Telegraaf reported on Friday.

Between March and August of this year, there were about 207,600 vacancies at a medium vocational level. This is up by 9% from last year, according to figures from a report by the Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB) and benefits agency, UWV.

The regions with the biggest increases are North-East Brabant (+25%), Friesland (+24%) and Zwolle (+23%). Drenthe and the Gooi-en Vechtstreek registered the biggest fall in vacancies.

The number of people aged up to 27 claiming unemployment benefits fell by 6,000 in the last six months, compared to last year’s figures. The biggest fall of almost a quarter was in Gelderland, where eight city councils have united to form the Food Valley region. Amsterdam region registered the smallest decrease (-3%).

For those just starting out with medium-level vocational training, the best chances for jobs are in sales and the health care sector, SBB and UWV claim.