Globalisation, technological changes and the industry-to-service economy transition has produced dramatic changes in the labour market, thus affecting higher education. It is no longer sufficient to provide students with disciplinary knowledge. Graduates are also expected to be adaptive, innovative and flexible. As these competencies are better…

This article focuses on work-based learning in higher vocational education and training in relation to lifelong learning. It begins with an overview of the Dutch National Policy and the ambitions of a national Project Directorate Learning & Working. It then goes on to the concrete results of projects within higher education (HE) aimed at the…

Dutch vocational students (n=152) working as trainees or apprentices used a computer-supported collaborative learning environment to communicate and work together. Analysis of teacher and student messages shows that those not used to collaborating were not motivated to do so by the electronic environment. Students felt more connected to school…