Empowering professionals – vital for the longevity of any organisation
“Employers need to recognise that allowing employees to develop themselves is essential to business success, and space must be made for that,” says Willem van Valkenburg, Executive Director of TU Delft’s Extension School for Continuing Education.
In a recent Topic Talks interview on New Business Radio, van Valkenburg highlighted the need for a robust learning culture within organisations to keep pace with an evolving job market and rapid technological advancements.
Barriers to continous development
Reflecting on the learning culture in the Netherlands, as an example, van Valkenburg pointed out an often-overlooked barrier: although resources for professional development exist, business needs frequently take precedence, sidelining employee growth. “Employers must actively create environments that encourage continuous learning and foster dialogue about upskilling and growth opportunities. This is especially crucial for companies struggling with unfilled vacancies. When staffing is low, the demand on existing employees intensifies, making it harder to prioritise time for learning.” Recognising these challenges, TU Delft has developed short-duration online courses to help professionals fit learning around their work responsibilities.
The importance of up-to-date skills is clear: businesses need to adopt new technologies to remain competitive, yet they often face skills gaps that traditional training does not cover. Van Valkenburg shared an example of a professional who, after completing TU Delft’s AI in Manufacturing course, applied their learning to increase production by 50%. To address the need for specialised knowledge, TU Delft’s approach goes beyond standard coursework, fostering innovation through collaborative learning communities. “Our learning communities bring together researchers, professionals, and policymakers to collaboratively address real-world problems. This structure enables participants to learn while actively solving practical challenges,” explained van Valkenburg.
Throughout the conversation, van Valkenburg emphasised the value of aligning academic expertise with industry needs. By integrating TU Delft’s research into their courses, participants have access to the latest advancements, keeping them at the forefront of their fields. “Our courses, accessible in English and designed for a global audience, allow professionals from diverse sectors to stay ahead of technological shifts,” he said.
Tangible impact
In addition to cutting-edge content, the Extension School maintains a learner-centred approach. Feedback is integral, helping TU Delft ensure its courses remain relevant and impactful. “What moves me the most are people in developing countries who say, ‘I took a course on solar energy. With the knowledge I gained, I wrote a project plan to install solar panels in our village. Now, we have more electricity and can develop ourselves further.'"
Building lifelong learning at all levels is essential to creating a resilient workforce and a sustainable future. TU Delft’s Extension School is committed to keeping these conversations alive, empowering professionals worldwide to drive meaningful change.
For those interested in hearing the full interview in Dutch, please click the link.
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