Flemish schools and industry are joining forces to what they say is to “strengthen the link between companies and schools.” The joint initiative between the education boards and industry federations that was announced on Friday has come about following a request by the Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir (nationalist) for an initiative to address the growing demand for technically skilled workers.
The plan outlines several concrete steps to better align education in Flanders with the demands of the labour market, in vocational and technical schools.
The aim is to draw up new curricula through “a strong partnership between industry and education boards”. A phased approach will be used to balance the needs of both education and industry. Companies will share infrastructure and teaching materials and also provide schools with guest lecturers, while teachers will receive further professional training on subject matter and pedagogy.
The plan will also promote various forms of on-the-job learning, including company visits, internships and dual learning programmes, whereby young people spend some of their time at school and some in the workplace.
Industry federations
The industry and employers’ federations Agoria, essenscia, Fedustria, Fevia and Voka are backing the project. They say that they “Not only want to increase the influx of young people into courses that offer a lot of employment opportunities but also wish to contribute to a strong and innovative Flemish economy”
The Catholic Education Board, The Flemish Community Education Board GO!, Provincial Education Flanders, the Organisation of Flemish City and Municipal Authorities OVSG and the organisation that groups the smaller education providers in Flanders OKO have all signed up to the initiative.
They say that the plan will offer pupils practical training that will serve as the best preparation for a fascinating career.
In Flanders 1 in 8 youngsters leave school with no qualifications. Many get lost in a system where vocational courses are often seen as a last resort rather than a chosen path.