‘Groundbreaking’ dual-learning system to start next year

Last year, the trial project School Desk in the Workplace was launched, with dual-learning schemes taking place across the region. This year, 332 students in 21 disciplines are participating, about three times more than last year. Syntra jobs training centre is working with 83 schools on the scheme.

Starting on 1 September 2018, dual learning will be available to all professional (BSO) and technical (TSO) schools as well as part-time education centres. Participating students age 15 and older will spend a minimum of 14 hours a week at a company.

The goal of dual learning is to show pupils how their studies relate to the workplace, which the government sees as a way to reduce the drop-out rate and help fill bottleneck tech jobs. Education minister Hilde Crevits has called the roll-out of the system “groundbreaking,” while labour minister Philippe Muyters declared it “a historical step” and a win-win for youngsters and companies.
Photo courtesy onderwijskiezer.be