Flemish Parliament approves dual learning in adult education

The Flemish Parliament has given the go-ahead for the introduction of dual learning in adult education from September on. 

Dual learning is a system in which students combine learing in the classroom with workplace learning. In this way, the students are supposed to be better prepared for the labor market. Since 2019 it already existed for youngsters in highschool but now it will be also introduced in adult education. The only difference will be that in adult education students have to be paid for their work. 

A student who wants to follow a dual course will receive a learning allowance. How high that learning fee is depends on the type of agreement. That in turn is determined by the number of hours on the job. 

In addition, a number of conditions are laid down for mentors. These are the supervisors of trainees at a company. For example, a mentor must follow a mentor training course within the year of recognition. This is about coaching, motivating, adjusting and evaluating trainees. 

It is a joint initiative of Flemish Minister of Employment Hilde Crevits and Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts. Only opposition parties Vooruit and PVDA abstained from the vote.