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"The award of this funding shows what we are capable of in the North when we work together. With more than 80 partners who will learn and innovate together, this application is all about the power of the network. A real boost for technology in the northern region!", Jooske Haije, director Academy of Technology & Innovation at NHL Stenden proudly declares.
Learning networks for increased employability, productivity and innovation
From the various technology centres, learning networks between companies and educational institutions in the north of the Netherlands are set up on the based on substantive themes. In the learning networks, parties involved share knowledge and experiences and work together to develop future-proof skills. This should lead to qualitatively better learning routes for technical positions at all levels. Furthermore, prospective and current employees get access to numerous knowledge and practice opportunities. This has a positive effect, both quantitatively (more throughput, graduate outflow, shortened study duration) and qualitatively (improved craftsmanship, better career choice, talent development, 21-century skills).
Thus better employability and productivity, focused on the future. "Because without social innovation, the sector cannot embrace technical innovations," says Dr Ing Wilbert van den Eijnde, Associate Lecturer Smart Sustainable Manufacturing at NHL Stenden. "With this unique skills ecosystem for the engineering sector, we can significantly strengthen the economic competitiveness of the Northern Netherlands."
Constitution Skills4Life
Alongside NHL Stenden, the following educational institutions are part of Skills4Life: Dr. Nassau College, Drenthe College, Firda, Hanze Hogeschool, Hondsrug College, Noorderpoort College, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Stellingwerf College, Utwente and VO Eemsdelta College, Bogerman College. Key partners involved are: OBM, NOM, Innovatie Cluster Drachten, NPAL, FME, Metaalunie, Bedrijfstakscholen BVT Emmen, TechniCNoord and MSO Groningen, Fieldlab Binder3D, Fieldlab Technologies Added Emmen, Techhub Assen, Proeftuin MCE, Stichting Technasium, Wijtechniek, Ondernemend Assen, Ondernemend Emmen, Technolab Sneek, Techniek Campus Assen and Katapult. The northern provinces contributed to the creation of the application and will be involved in its implementation in the coming years.
123 million for improved cooperation between vocational education and business
The government is allocating €123 million to help bring 15 existing partnerships a step further. Skills4Life has a scale of over 20 million, for which the grant of almost 8.5 million euros has been awarded. The funding comes from the National Growth Fund and is part of the Green and Digital Jobs Action Plan. Through this, the government aims to address the shortage of personnel in engineering and ICT so as to ensure that the Netherlands remains fully committed to the energy and digital transition.