"Scholing en Baanmobiliteit"

The role of Lifelong Learning (LLL)

In this study for the Ministry of Finance, we describe the role of Lifelong Learning (LLL) like formal and informal education for job mobility in the labour market and the role of the government in LLL. We use various surveys and administrative data sources for this purpose.

Our research shows that formal education, i.e. a diploma from a publicly funded educational institution after the age of 30, is associated with labour market mobility and an improvement in labour market position in terms of wages and the likelihood of a permanent contract. It appears that the likelihood of changing jobs is greater among people who have completed a formal education programme than among the rest. Often, the job change takes place before the diploma is obtained, which points to dual/part-time/BBL-programmes in which formal learning is combined with working (and earning money). This certainly applies to studies in education sectors that prepare for a shortage occupation in Technology and ICT, Healthcare, and Education. A combination of learning and working (earning money) is therefore often preferred in formal education and may be a prerequisite for retraining and further education.

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Bakens, J., Cobben, L., Künn-Nelen, A., & Lansink, X. (2025). Scholing en Baanmobiliteit. ROA Reports No. 006