HESSENCAMPUS - Creating Centers of Lifelong Learning in the regions of Hessen

HESSENCAMPUS - Responding more rapidly to emerging workforce needs

 

True - Statistics show that Germany is one of the world leaders in export sales of industrial goods ranging from BMW and Mercedes vehicles to state-of-the-art electrical appliances. However, this top-notch position may be jeopardized in the near future. Hessen’s education and training systems must adapt to the changing needs of future employers. The creation of Centers of Lifelong Learning is geared towards adapting the current educational system to a system that will directly correspond with emerging workforce needs.

The state of Hessen has joined forces with eight of its regions in order to establish regional centers of lifelong learning throughout the state. This ambitious educational project has officially been named HESSENCAMPUS. In 2007 representatives of these eight regions have started working on an initial profile for regional centers. Vocational schools, adult high schools, evening schools and municipal adult education centers – that is public providers of occupational and adult education are forming the core of these future centers. One of the aims is to offer unified educational programs to members of the community by encouraging these core facilities to merge their competence and their resources. Regional representatives will set up graduated plans guiding the development of centers of lifelong learning from initiation to operation.

Providing better access to lifelong learning to the citizens of our regions – this is what HESSENCAMPUS is all about and what representatives are committed to. It is our firm belief that regional centers of lifelong learning will be beneficial economic factors in their respective regions in the long run. For Germany’s most important raw materials have long ceased to consist of coal and steel; knowledge and skills are what counts today and tomorrow.

 

 

A partnership with benefits to the community and business

 

Even today an impressive array of institutions of continuing and occupational education is already present in the regions of the state of Hessen. Naturally, HESSENCAMPUS will take advantage of these facilities and their competence. Nevertheless it is our mission to encourage citizens to view education as a lifelong process and offer citizens opportunities to build on their current educational background. We are convinced that centers of lifelong learning will contribute to our communities’ quality of life. Supplying high quality, affordable and accessible occupational as well as continuing education programs will not only help citizens improve their skills and increase their knowledge base to suit the needs of employers, but also promote personal empowerment. These future regional centers will be open and accessible to everybody looking for high quality lifelong learning opportunities.

 

 

Shifting the focus on adult learners and on individual learning needs

 

Designing the teaching and training programs of HESSENCAMPUS regional learning and training centers will determine the value and viability of these new institutions. Needless to say that above all programs being introduced have to be tailored to individual needs with a high degree of flexibility. Among various other criteria acquiring skills that directly benefit the employee in the working world as well as basic life skills have to be taken into account. Working towards eligibility for admission to colleges and universities will be considered an additional target area.

 

Counseling in the form of individual consultation and assistance will be of central importance and will be available as soon as the centers become operative. The centers will provide an extensive counseling service for adult learners geared to individual learning needs. Close cooperation with regional job centers will also be a necessity.

 

 

Lively Connection to the Community

 

HESSENCAMPUS' regional centers of lifelong learning will be integrated into regional structures to ensure a close match between needs of citizens as well as businesses in the region and educational programs offered through centers of lifelong learning.

 

This cooperation between public education institutions and business has a long standing tradition in the state of Hessen. Representatives of regional business are already members of some of the regional advisory committees and take an active part in the development of adequate educational programs and the decision making process regarding these programs. The readiness of representatives of business and industry to participate in shaping the new centers is greatly appreciated by all participants.

 

 

Flyer in english language

2007_09_20_Flyer-Englisch-A2.pdf