Colac gives students a taste of the corporate world

Dual learning is a new system within education, officialized on September 1, 2019. During this education, two worlds are combined, the school and the work field. The goal of dual learning is to bring these worlds as close together as possible. Not just learning in school or converting theory into practice. But learning in the workplace, acquiring knowledge and skills needed in a later professional career. 

An education tailored to your talents and ambitions

In addition to general subjects, the school offers practical and theoretical knowledge, which can then be applied in the workplace. Here the practical knowledge and relevant work experience are developed. The students are matched with a mentor, an expert who provides them with all the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job professionally.

Nicolas will accompany Mohammad and Hashim on their professional adventure towards knowledge and experience. Together with the school and the students, Nicolas selected some competences, tailored to the workplace and the student. At the end of their education, they will be assessed on these competences. Mohammad and Hashim were allowed to come and have a taste of the corporate life at Colac for 1 month, to check whether there is a match between the company and the students. The education must of course be feasible for both. According to Hashim, after a month they had a taste for it: "We were allowed to practice for a month and I really enjoyed it, so I definitely wanted to stay." 

They work alternately 2 or 3 days a week. The other days they spend at school with language and practical lessons. They will receive a work allowance for this, which differentiates the dual learning from other practical educations. According to Nicolas (Operations Manager), the boys will mainly learn two things: their Dutch will be polished and they will learn the tricks of the trade under the guidance of real professionals.

Why dual learning?

Dual learning brings many advantages to the students. On the one hand, they gain relevant work experience; the student develops skills, knowledge and a work attitude under the guidance of an expert. The things that later come in handy on the job market. On the other hand, the student is aware of the latest tools and technologies within the sector. In short, dual learning increases the opportunities on the job market with a practice-oriented education tailored to the student.

This learning culture also brings benefits to the company. Practice-oriented education is often a stimulus in recruiting and retaining suitable workers. Furthermore, this learning culture stimulates evolutions and innovations in the workplace. Or as Geert, co-manager, puts it so nicely: "Colac is committed to dual learning because it contributes to the sustainable integration of non-native speakers into society and the business community."