Learning Communities
Filling all job vacancies will be a challenge in the coming years. Graduates and school leavers alone won’t be enough; we need everyone. Therefore, it is essential that employees maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills throughout their careers. In other words, continuous learning is crucial. The Learning Communities project provides support in this area.
Learning Communities
The goal of Learning Communities is to create short-term programmes based on real-world projects from actual companies. “Companies with challenges around digitalisation, energy transition, or complex construction projects can sign up with us,” says project leader Stephan Corporaal. “We then build a community around this project, bringing together everyone involved in the topic.”
Collaboration
Building this community is done with the guidance of a process leader, who brings in knowledge institutions alongside company employees. Stephan explains that this approach has multiple benefits: “Through collaboration between companies and knowledge institutions like LLO Agenda Twente, the Province of Overijssel, Techniek Nederland, Wij Techniek, Pioneering, UT, ROC, Saxion and Tech Your Future company employees gain exposure to the latest insights and technical innovations, while students gain practical experience and the knowledge institutions learn from real-world applications what works and what doesn’t.”
Neighbourly Support
The project was launched because lifelong learning (LLO) isn’t yet second nature for many employees. “Recent research on the topic shows that 80% of the working population in our country doesn’t feel the need for ongoing development. However, if we want to meet the labour market’s needs, we need as many skilled and experienced workers as possible. Therefore, we’re taking a unique approach in Twente, tackling it practically by coming together to get it done. This approach fits well with the local ‘noaberschap’ (neighbourly support).”
Results
The concept is not entirely new. Over recent years, 12 pilot projects in Twente have explored whether this approach delivers results, and the success has led to a decision to expand the project. “Companies and employees who participated in the pilots are very enthusiastic about this approach,” says Stephan. “We’re thrilled to have support from the Twente Board, which allows us to roll this out on a larger scale throughout Twente. We’re focusing on the manufacturing, high-tech, installation, and construction sectors.”
Gross Twente Happiness
In terms of Gross Twente Happiness, this project contributes to the following pillars:
Job Security
“Craftsmanship is evolving with ever-new technologies. Learning Communities allow skilled workers to stay up-to-date in a way that suits them and their company, making better use of their potential. Many companies are so pressured by orders and skilled labour shortages that employees don’t have time to try new things—there’s no room for experimenting and learning. This isn’t due to unwillingness but rather because companies often don’t know how to facilitate this. Working within learning communities often improves collaboration between office staff and skilled workers, leading to new, useful products. In addition, technicians in fields like installation learn to work with heat pumps, expanding revenue potential. And thirdly, skilled workers improve their abilities to adapt quickly, take on new tasks, and give and receive feedback.”
Personal Development
“Personal development is one of the key objectives of our project. We see improvements in skills such as adapting quickly, taking on new tasks, and providing and receiving feedback.”
Health
“Gaining more enjoyment in work by having opportunities for self-development certainly contributes to psychological well-being.”
Work-Life Balance
“People feel more empowered and learn to set boundaries—things they can also apply in their personal lives.”
Social Connections
“One of the great things about a learning community is that it brings together a wide range of people, sometimes across different organisations, expanding professional social networks.”
Subjective Well-being
“Doing well in your work, receiving positive feedback, and enjoying your job all contribute to personal happiness.”
Safety
“We definitely contribute to social safety in the workplace.”
Funding
Agenda voor Twente
Want to know more?
Contact project leader Stephan Corporaal
P: 06 5587 1052
M: s.corporaal@saxion.nl
Learn more about Learning Communities