Training more microchip talent requires more than just new courses. It requires an education chain in which students can enter, progress and remain in the sector seamlessly. That is why the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and vocational colleges in Twente are working together within the Twente Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan, adopting a single, joint approach to the talent chain of the future. In this context, vocational education in Twente comprises ROC van Twente, STODT, REMO, SMEOT and Process Your Future: partners who each contribute to practice-oriented technical education based on their own expertise.
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This collaboration is evident throughout the entire education chain. Whereas educational institutions have traditionally focused primarily on developing their own programmes, the partners in the Twente Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan are actively seeking to forge links. The shared goal is clear: to train and retain as much technical talent as possible for the microchip industry in Twente.
Improved progression
A key part of this is improving progression between VMBO, MBO, HBO and university. For example, partners within the MBO sector in Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences are continuing to develop the ‘Toptraject’ programme together. This is a continuous learning pathway that enables students from MBO or VMBO to progress more quickly to an HBO programme. The programme is also developing a new MHBO pathway for ICT, making the transition between MBO and HBO even smoother.
The transition between higher professional education and university is also being improved. The University of Twente and Saxion are developing pre-bachelor’s and pre-master’s programmes. These programmes make technical degree programmes more accessible to students who are not yet eligible for direct entry, for example due to a different subject combination, an international bachelor’s degree or a switch from a different field of study.
Every student in the right place
Not every student is in the right place. That is why the partners are jointly investing in preventing drop-out and guiding students towards a course that suits them better.
At Saxion, the ‘Root Cause Analysis of Drop-out & Progression’ is used to systematically investigate why students fall behind, switch courses or drop out of a technical programme. By first identifying the causes, targeted improvement measures can be taken.
In addition, the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and vocational education (MBO) institutions in Twente actively collaborate and share knowledge to better meet students’ needs. The aim is to ensure every student is in the right place, in line with their talents and ambitions.
Stronger together
The strength of this approach lies not in a single project, but in the collaboration and coherence between all initiatives. Educational institutions coordinate their educational development, jointly develop continuous learning pathways and share knowledge on academic success and student support, as well as the learning opportunities arising from dropping out. Businesses contribute by helping to identify the knowledge and skills the sector will need in the coming years and how the content of education can better align with these needs.
Step by step, this creates a single regional talent chain in which students, educational institutions and businesses reinforce one another. By investing jointly in talent, Twente is building a strong and future-proof chip tech ecosystem that is attractive to students, researchers and businesses.
