scholings

Scholings refers to organized educational activities aimed at updating or strengthening an individual’s knowledge, skills, and professional competence. In Dutch-speaking contexts, the term is used to describe continuing education, professional development, and short-form training, as distinct from initial schooling. Scholings can be formal, involving recognized credentials such as certificates, diplomas, or academic credits, or informal, including in-house training, workshops, and self-directed courses that may not carry formal accreditation.

Delivery formats vary and include classroom instruction, online modules, blended learning, seminars, apprenticeships, and micro-credential programs. They can be voluntary or mandatory, for example to meet licensure requirements or sector standards, and are often linked to career goals, job performance, or organizational needs.

Outcomes from scholings typically include newly demonstrated competencies, earned credits, or issued certificates. They may contribute to formal qualifications, or be used within lifelong learning frameworks to support career transitions and adaptability in the labor market. Quality assurance and accreditation standards may be set by professional bodies, educational institutions, or national qualification authorities, ensuring that providers meet defined criteria.

Scholings cover a wide range of topics, such as languages, information technology, management, health and safety, trades, and personal development. Challenges for participants include cost, time, and balancing work with study, while policymakers emphasize access, recognition of non-formal learning, and the role of scholings in economic competitiveness.