In The Hague, nearly one in four residents has low literacy skills. The Municipality of The Hague, ROC Mondriaan, UWV Haaglanden, MKB Den Haag, and FNV Haaglanden are therefore joining forces and have established the so-called ‘Lifelong Learning (LLO) collective Haaglanden’. Through this collective, nearly €2.2 million is available to help residents with limited basic skills and little educational background take a step towards education and employment. This is achieved through tailor-made pathways in which the skills required for each participant to take that next step are assessed individually . Language and basic skills form the foundation, supplemented by practical vocational skills that align with the demands of employers.
The training programs are intended for residents of the Haaglanden region. Preparations are currently in full swing. In this process, the LLO-collectief Haaglanden is working closely with VNO-NCW West, the Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven (Cooperation Organization for Vocational Education and the Business Community), and the regional municipalities. Residents are expected to be able to register this summer, and the first training programs are expected to start this autumn.
Practical approach with guidance
What distinguishes this approach is that the focus is not on the existing educational offerings, but on the capabilities of residents and employers. With each participant, the skills needed to take a step towards employment or further education are first mapped out. Employers indicate the knowledge and skills required in the workplace. ROC Mondriaan then translates this into feasible learning pathways in which language and basic skills are offered within a professional context.
Participants receive guidance throughout the program and maintain contact with a program supervisor even after completion. This ensures the transition to work is carefully prepared and the success rate remains as high as possible. The combination of training and guidance helps participants strengthen their self-confidence and professional knowledge and increases the chance of sustainable employment.
Future-proof labor market
“With this initiative, we contribute to promoting equal opportunities and economic security. After all, prospects for education or the labor market start at the grassroots level. It is therefore extremely important that we facilitate residents developing those skills,” says Alderman Nur Icar (Employment).
Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer (Education) is also pleased with the initiative: “This is an investment in opportunities. By combining language, digital skills, and vocational skills, we open doors to work and independence for those who need it most. Education, employers, and the government are joining forces on this. With tailored solutions for the workplace, we are building a future-proof labor market.”
For more information, please contact llo@rocmondriaan.nl
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online