The project Gas erop! by University of Twente, Hogeschool Saxion, Hogeschool Windesheim and ROC van Twente has today received the Pro-Motor Award 2025, initiated by Katapult, from jury chair Mark Harbers, president of Techniek Nederland. In this initiative, education and industry in the Twente region work closely together on micro learning communities – small-scale, practice-oriented learning trajectories for employees in technical SMEs.
Jury chair Mark Harbers: “What makes this project so remarkable is that Lifelong Learning here is not limited to a single course or temporary pilot. It is truly embedded in the work practice. Gas erop! is a method that is flexible, concrete, and sustainable.”
The jury is impressed by how Gas erop! has grown into a fully-fledged regional ecosystem. What began as a method for micro learning communities within the technical manufacturing industry has now developed into a regional movement involving 78 SMEs, 26 non-profits, and multiple educational institutions. In small, practice-oriented learning groups, professionals work on realistic challenges from their own work environment. This approach makes learning relevant, applicable, and attractive.
What also makes the project so powerful is the collaboration across different educational levels. Vocational, applied sciences, and academic institutions are working together in this project, shaping a multilevel regional collaboration in the field of Lifelong Learning. The approach has since been translated to other sectors and programs as well, making the project an inspiring example for regions and industries throughout the Netherlands.
From the University of Twente, prof.dr. Maaike Endedijk, is in the lead. Read more about the Gas erop! project here: Gas Erop! | Project Gas erop
