Action plan for lifelong learning

In 2022, the action plan’s flagships are set into motion. Of the 47 actions, one has been realised, 27 are being implemented, nine are in the process of being launched and 10 are being prepared for launch or implementation. The partnership follows up on the implementation.

In 2023, the action plan’s flagship initiatives continue to be implemented. The partnership follows up on the implementation. The annual report provides a complete overview of the developments and the progress made in 2023, such as:

1. the Centre for Innovative Learning Pathways organised an inspirational conference in December 2023 on the current state of lifelong learning in Flanders, within the framework of the TWIN transition;
2. the LLL Dashboard was published, along with research aimed at developing a roadmap for its further evolution;
3. continued work on the knowledge agenda included the completion of three studies in 2023: a review of lifelong learning regulations, an analysis of the lifelong learning landscape, and the LLL Dashboard. Additionally, three new research projects were initiated or continued: research on bridge figures & conversation methodologies, follow-up research on the OECD segmentation study on learning profiles, and research on informal workplace learning & the development of a learning climate assessment tool;
4. the launch of the lifelong learning portal website.

Furthermore, the Learning Collective project aims to support local breakthroughs regarding lifelong learning and fostering a learning culture in various organisations and enterprises.

In 2024, the Lifelong Learning Action Plan continued to build on its seven flagship initiatives, with a strong emphasis on deepening knowledge, mobilising stakeholders, and fostering a learning culture across Flanders. The year saw significant progress in strengthening the knowledge agenda, particularly through research on informal learning in the workplace. This research lays the groundwork for the future development of a conceptual tool to assess the learning climate within enterprises. Three new studies were launched to map the private training market in Flanders, to understand and stimulate learning sensitivity among citizens and to launch a research to improve the measurement of informal learning (OECD).

Efforts to mobilise citizens and organisations were intensified through initiatives such as Learning collective (Leercollectief), an initiative that brings together lifelong learning actors in Flanders. The Learning Collective has grown into a vibrant LinkedIn community of over 1200 members, produced a practical guide full of insights, tools, and best practices for fostering a learning culture, and generated 15 groundbreaking ideas to strengthen lifelong learning in Flanders. Furthermore, personalised use of learning incentives was further refined through optimalisations of the Flemish individual learning account and Signpost (Wegwijzer) - a digital guide that helps citizens navigate the various Flemish training incentives available to them.

The integrated labour market projection model (Geïntegreerd Arbeidsmarktprojectiemodel, GAP) was advanced to identify future skill mismatches, and VDAB’s competence check tool was enhanced and widely adopted. The LED database was updated and prepared for strategic expansion, and significant efforts were made to improve the interoperability of competence languages, aligning them with European frameworks to ensure consistency and accessibility.

Support and guidance for key stakeholders were also strengthened. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) benefited from targeted initiatives such as the Boost your learning culture (Boost je leercultuur) campaign. The concept of bridge figures was further developed into five distinct profiles, supported by a practical guide and a low-threshold conversation toolkit. Digital inclusion was promoted through the expansion of Digibanken and enhanced e-learning support for training providers.

The Opleidingskompas platform was expanded to include higher education offerings, and coach training for educators focused on developing digital competencies and inclusive design practices, ensuring that teaching professionals are equipped to meet evolving learner needs.

Since the start of the new legislative term in 2024, the lifelong learning partnership is no longer in effect. However, a number of policy initiatives outlined in the Action Plan have continued.

The Lifelong Learning Dashboard was further expanded with new indicators and redesigned to enhance user experience.

In 2025, the Expertise Centre for Innovative Learning Pathways (Expertisecentrum Innovatieve Leerwegen) organised several mobilising events on lifelong learning, including the Festival Lifelong Learning (Levenslang Leren), Learning Performance Day (Dag van het Leerrendement), and the Innovation and Learning event in October. These initiatives responded to major societal and labour market transitions and aimed to strengthen the role of learning in navigating change.

In parallel, the development of the self-assessment scan new tool Learning lens (Leerlens) - was initiated. This scan aims to help enterprises assess and improve their internal learning climate, building on prior research into informal learning. A practical guide was also developed, offering tools and good practices to help companies strengthen their learning culture.

Beyond the Expertise Centre’s initiatives, the integrated labour market projection model (GAP) continued to be refined.

In the context of adult education, we have aligned funding with labour market needs, to enlarge the amount of learners choosing shortage occupations.