21 Jun '16

Vlor calls for measures to safeguard students in dual learning

Summary

The Flemish Education Council had produced an advisory note that asks for monitoring the salary situation of students in the new dual-learning scheme

 

Pilot projects in September

The Flemish Education Council (Vlor) has called for additional measures to safeguard students in a new dual-learning scheme that allows those studying in technical and professional schools to spend up to 60% of their time on internships with a company.

Dual learning, which is popular in Germany, is part of a Flemish education plan to provide students from professional (BSO) and technical (TSO) secondary schools with more opportunities to gain work experience.

Vlor said in an advisory note that it wanted to see an apprentice allowance for students on work placements linked to the guaranteed average minimum monthly salary, with an increase according to student performance.

While welcoming the end to uncertainty that the new scheme gives to students involved in current systems of learning and working, Vlor called for an “immediate” and “clear” communication to parents, teachers and businesses about the scheme.

The council also questioned how pilot projects, which will start in September this year, can be properly evaluated given that the scheme is set to officially start in September 2017. “A thorough evaluation of these temporary projects is thus impossible,” Vlor said.

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

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