Abstract Surgical training in the Netherlands has traditionally been characterized by learning on the job under the classic master‐trainee doctrine. Over the past decades, it has become regionally organized with intensive structural training courses, and a peer‐based quality control system. Recently, the nationwide programme has been modernized further and now involves a systematic, competency‐based education with structural training courses, formalized assessment and room for reflection by residents under the supervision of surgical teaching groups. To this end, a uniform web‐based digital portfolio is being introduced to facilitate monitoring of the individual resident's progress. Though requiring inspirational leadership, commitment, and determination, this modernization has sparked enthusiasm among trainees and teachers.