15 February 2024
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to lifelong learning with the successful acquisition of the LLO Katalysator (Lifelong Learning Catalyst) grant. The institution is one of eight institutions to secure funding for large projects in the inaugural round of the program, an initiative championed by the Dutch government.
Education Minister, Robbert Dijkgraaf, of the Netherlands, in a noteworthy announcement this January, disclosed an investment exceeding €22 million earmarked for lifelong learning projects. This substantial allocation underscores the government’s dedication to fostering collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in the domain of training professionals for the transition towards sustainable energy and resources.
A total of 17 subsidy applications were greenlit in the program’s inaugural round, all aimed at fortifying partnerships between the labour market and educational entities. These collaborations hold the promise of equipping individuals with the requisite skills demanded by the evolving regional labour landscape, emphasising retraining and continuous development.
For TU Delft, the grant not only injects momentum into its pursuit of innovation but also underscores its pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry. The university’s program focuses on elevating the standards of lifelong learning within the educational framework, a sentiment echoed by Willem van Valkenburg, Executive Director of the Extension School for Continuing Education. Valkenburg expresses optimism, stating, “This is wonderful news to start a promising 2024. We have ambitious plans, and not only is it comforting for them to be validated in such a way, it’s also reassuring to know that we can execute our plans in the timeline that we had envisioned.”
The infusion of funds not only enhances TU Delft’s adaptability to cater to societal, environmental, and economic demands but also facilitates the creation of a robust framework for accreditation, ensuring the delivery of high-quality lifelong learning experiences.
Other institutions awarded grants in the first phase include Eindhoven University of Technology, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences amongst many other higher education institutions across the country. This collective endeavour underscores the collaborative spirit driving educational advancements across the Netherlands.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands is poised to unveil the second round of grant applications, signalling a substantial investment of nearly €400 million in the Growth Fund proposal, dubbed ‘the National LLO Catalyst.’ This ambitious initiative further solidifies the nation’s commitment to lifelong learning, setting the stage for continued innovation and progress in education and beyond.
