Action plan for lifelong learning

On 30 October 2020, the lifelong learning partnership was established, to stimulate the participation in lifelong learning through working out a joint approach across sectors and policy areas. This partnership is composed of representatives from the Socio-Economic Council of Flanders (SERV), education and training providers, the private training providers, the Lifelong Learning Committee of the Flemish Education Council (VLOR) and a higher education expert from the Vlerick business school.

The lifelong learning partnership was tasked by the government of Flanders to prepare an action plan for lifelong learning. The plan Setting course to a learning Flanders was then presented to the government in 2021.

The action plan aims to provide a coherent and mobilising framework for all partners involved in realising a lifelong learning culture in Flanders. With these actions we aim to involve all possible stakeholders involved in lifelong learning: government, VET institutions, sectors, companies, guidance practitioners, teachers, educators and all possible learners. Different stakeholders are linked to the 47 actions listed in the plan. This should contribute to synergy and cooperation and make the change to a real learning culture. Special attention is paid to vulnerable groups such as low-skilled employees, who participate far less in lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is pivotal in a quickly changing society and labour market. It is set out with the year 2030 as the horizon but its focus is initially on the period up to 2024. The action plan aligns with the ambition of the European Union to achieve a participation rate of 60% for (non-)formal learning by 2030. This lead indicator will be supplemented by other relevant sub-indicators, that are under construction. The action plan consists of a 'compass' with orienting goals and several thematic 'flagships' initiatives with actions within a matrix structure underneath.

1. The Compass

The compass includes 10 goals for policy orientation with the ambition to bring Flanders to the level of top performing European countries and regions in lifelong learning (LLL):

1. placing the learner at the centre in relation to his/her environment(s);
2. developing LLL competence combined with consistent sensibilisation and mobilisation in view of a learning society,
3. promoting inclusive learning;
4. permanent quality assurance;
5. generating more impact by providing more transparency;
6. flexible and sustainable coordination;
7. effective cooperation;
8. reinforcing work-based learning and learning-based working;
9. developing monitoring instrument and collective knowledge;
10. implementing technology in and through learning.

2. Flagships initiatives

The flagships are ordered according to a matrix structure with axes for target groups and themes. An overarching concern is the efficient tackling of concrete obstacles for the realisation of the 47 actions listed under the respective flagships, which number 7:

1. knowledge agenda for LLL;
2. mobilisation strategy for each segment in society;
3. LLL incentive strategy based on individual follow-up;
4. holistic strategic competence framework;
5. enabling accompanying policies for guidance and support for LLL;
6. guidance and support to LLL providers;
7. future-proof strengthening of LLL partnerships.