Radboud University: Working together towards a future-proof Lifelong Learning network

In an effort to respond more efficiently to the growing demand for Lifelong Learning (LLO), Radboud University is taking a major step. The job market is facing major challenges, including digitalisation, an ageing population, scarcity and regional developments. Professionals and organisations have a growing need for retraining, further training and refresher courses. By combining the forces of different training centres, so that they form a strong lifelong learning network organisation, we will be able to respond to these needs. From 1 February, this network will be further reinforced when Jacob de Boer, who is the Director of the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPO), becomes the network’s Lifelong Learning Change Manager.

Stronger together: existing LLO-departments within Radboud University to join forces

The four largest Postgraduate Training Centres for Professionals (POPs) - Radboud Management Academy (RMa), Radboud Centre for Social Sciences (RCSW), Radboud In’to Languages (In’to) and the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPO) - are set to join forces in order to help companies address their lifelong learning issues. By combining expertise, networks and knowledge, we will be able to increase our capabilities and achieve the significant impact which we are striving for. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to addressing complex issues such as sustainability, digitalisation and the energy transition. And faculties that do not have their own training centre will be able to benefit from this collaborative approach and will be able to join this network.

Jacob de Boer: the driving force behind change

On 1 February, we will welcome Jacob de Boer as the new Lifelong Learning Change Manager. He will draw on his experience as Director of the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPO) and use his expertise in implementing complex changes to further strengthen our lifelong learning partnership. His mission is to transform ambitions into specific results. In his own words, this means: “We are going to make Radboud University the knowledge partner that companies and institutions can turn to when it comes to the continuing development of their professionals and organisation. This will also require new in-house methods for organising and collaborating. For this purpose, the new Lifelong Learning network will provide a great starting point.”

The former Radboud Academy: a strong foundation for the future

The Lifelong Learning network partly builds on the results of the former Radboud Academy programme. Innovations such as microcredentials (small, approved learning outcomes), edubadges (digital certificates) and the main search filter, provide a great foundation for the future. All of the learning programmes that have already been developed will be transferred to the relevant training centres, while the more general academic courses for a wider audience have become part of the Radboud Reflects programme.

Discover the possibilities

Find out what we can do for you. Take a look at the wide range of courses, training programmes and study programmes on our website. Stay informed by signing up for the Lifelong Learning Newsletter. Or contact us via email at levenlangontwikkelen [at] ru.nl. Together we will make this development accessible, relevant and future-proof!