Lifelong learning through collaboration

By offering professionals opportunities to develop knowledge and skills throughout their lives, BTH contributes to the development of society and the future needs of the labor market.

Context and purpose

Context and purpose

The Higher Education Act requires higher education institutions to promote lifelong learning, including continuing education and training for professionals. Changing labor market conditions make it necessary for people to retrain or further their education, which requires a flexible and relevant educational offer.

Purpose

At BTH, lifelong learning is part of the goal to:

• Offer attractive, professionally oriented programs that address the needs and challenges of society.
• Work in close collaboration with the surrounding community to meet the demand from both professionals and the labor market.

Goals

1. Visibility: All educational areas at BTH will clearly show what they can offer in lifelong learning.
2. Societal benefit: BTH will work closely with the regional community to identify skills development needs and adapt its educational offerings accordingly.

Strategy for lifelong learning

BTH will use its collaborative arenas, partnerships and existing expertise to make the work with lifelong learning more effective. By:

• Identifying links between the needs of the environment and the university's educational offerings.
• Maximizing the use of existing resources and knowledge to meet the demand from professionals.
• Working with strategic partnerships such as Blue Science Park and Region Blekinge to identify needs and opportunities.

BTH's offer in lifelong learning

1. Independent courses

BTH's independent courses, especially at advanced level, match the skills development needs of professionals. The range includes areas such as:

• Engineering professions
• Health and care
• IT and computer security
• Digital media
• Industrial economics
• Sustainability and leadership
• Marine and mechanical engineering
• Urban planning
• Gaming technology

2. Contract education

BTH offers contract education based on the expertise available at the university's departments. These courses are aimed at both regional and national actors, but must not affect the quality or availability of the regular educational offerings.

3. Collaborative training actions

These activities are shorter and more informal training courses, such as lectures or workshops, offered by BTH staff at the invitation of external parties.

Structure and planning

Structure and planning

Proposals for lifelong learning courses should come from the departments, where demand is best identified. Decisions on provision are taken by the university management to ensure strategic direction and quality.

Planning

• Dialogue with collaboration partners: Annual reconciliations shall be carried out with business and organizations via collaboration arenas such as Blue Science Park and Region Blekinge.
• Utilization of research: Results from research projects and existing education can be adapted for professionals, which minimizes the resource effort and increases the benefit to society.

Realization

The focus is on providing advanced level education that

• Corresponds to the needs of the environment for skills development.
• Promotes the development of professionals in the areas where BTH has cutting-edge expertise.

By efficiently using existing resources and strengthening collaboration with the environment, BTH can offer programs that meet today's and tomorrow's demands for lifelong learning.