Dual learning (the successor to ‘Learning and Working’) is available for pupils from 15 years who wish to combine learning and working. This is possible in various schools, centres for learning and working or a Syntra workplace in Brussels. Pupils can also obtain a second or third stage certificate or a diploma of secondary education.
Dual Learning
By means of dual learning, you acquire skills in your school, centre for learning and working or a Syntra training centre and at the workplace. The number of days per week that you learn at the workplace depends on your study programme.
In Brussels, you can combine learning and working in:
- Dual Learning together with full-time education, part-time education or the Leertijd (apprenticeship): the pupil learns at least 60% at the workplace.
- the Leertijd (apprenticeship) at SYNTRA Brussel: the pupil takes classes on one day per week and works in a small or medium-sized enterprise on four days.
- a Learning and Working Centre (CLW - Centrum voor Leren en Werken): the pupil takes classes at school on two days and does practical work on three days.
The Pupil Guidance Centre (CLB - Centrum voor Leerlingen Begeleiding) helps determine the path followed by the pupil. Guides help the pupils to look for work.
Extra support for some pupils
Sometimes, however, pupils do not yet have the right attitudes and competencies to combine learning with working in the regular labour market. The following customised paths are available:
- Preliminary phase training: this is a preparatory path for pupils who are ready for work but not yet sufficiently mature for work. This phase is as short as possible but as long as necessary. Pupils who still have to work on their maturity for work follow the ‘training’ preliminary phase. Pupils who are sufficiently mature for work
- Preliminary phase employment: supervised work experience in a real workplace for pupils who are sufficiently mature for work but are lacking in work experience.
- Intensive guidance - Alternating learning (IBAL - Intensieve begeleiding alternerend leren): when looking for work, pupils are entitled to guidance from an external partner.
- Socio-professional inclusion - Alternating Learning (SPI-AL Socio-professionele Inschakeling - Alternerend Leren): pupils are helped during individual meetings or group modules to draw up a CV, apply for jobs and actively look for work.
- Language studio: pupils with a limited command of Dutch receive extra language support in groups. Screening at the start determines whether or not you can take part.
In Brussels, extra support is offered by the following organisations:
- Abrusco (Language studio)
- Arktos (Preliminary phase training)
- Emino (Preliminary phase employment, IBAL)
- Groep INTRO (Preliminary phase training, preliminary phase employment, IBAL, SPI)
- JES (Preliminary phase training, preliminary phase employment, IBAL, SPI)
- PROFO (Preliminary phase training, preliminary phase employment, IBAL)