Regional meeting on basic skills

Meeting

Date:  

Time:   -

Location: DeBombardon, Sint Antoniusstraat 2, Heythuysen

Many employers recognize this: employees who struggle with digital systems, safety instructions, or administrative tasks. Often, this stems from a lack of basic skills. That is why we would like to invite you to the Regional Basic Skills Meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

What are the benefits for you as an employer? 

During this meeting, we will demonstrate how employers in Central Limburg are working together to develop basic skills as part of learning and development in the workplace. It is explicitly not about academic programs, but about learning that is relevant to the work and daily practice of the organization.

For whom.

This meeting is for employers, HR professionals, managers, and advisors who want to focus on learning and developing basic skills in the workplace, thereby contributing to a future-proof labor organization.

Program

  • 8:30–9:00 a.m.: Doors open
  • 9:00-9:10 a.m.: Opening by Nina Nijskens, Reading and Writing Foundation
  • 9:10–10:40 a.m.: Performance of Laaggeletterd (Low Literacy) by Hetsen & Visschers
  • 10:55–11:40 a.m.: Workshop on Basic Skills in the Workplace
  • 11:50 a.m.–12:35 p.m.: Second workshop (optional)
  • 12:35–1:15 p.m.: Closing and lunch (optional)

Workshop: Basic Skills in the Workplace

Workshop leader(s)

Jacqueline Jennen - Limburg Employers' Association
Stephanie Kauwenberg – WerkgeversServicepunt Oost WerkgeversServicepunt
Herman Jacobs and Dennie Nelissen – BOR Roermond

Explanation

In this workshop, we will show you how to identify employees who struggle with language, math, and/or digital skills, and what impact this has in the workplace. You will gain insight into the possibilities for accessible, short-term customized programs to support employees in their development and discover the benefits this can bring to your organization.

Herman Jacobs and Dennie Nelissen from BOR Roermond share their practical experience with the tailor-made Buitengewoon Digitaal (Extraordinary Digital) program and demonstrate how learning can be successfully linked to everyday work.

Sign up

I sign up 

Registration is open until March 6.
We hope to see you on March 24!

Practical information

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. (with optional second workshop and lunch)
  • Location: Cultuurpodium De Bombardon
    Sint Antoniusstraat 2, 6093 GA Heythuysen
  • Parking: There is ample parking space near the Bombardon. Navigate to Vlasstraat or Aldenhoven 25 in Heythuysen.
  • Public transportation: De Bombardon is accessible by bus. The walking distance from the bus stop is approximately 10 minutes.

This meeting is an initiative of regional partners within the Midden-Limburg Language Agreement and in collaboration with the Employer Service Points, Limburg Employers Association, and Gilde Opleidingen.
Optional workshops in the second round from 11:50 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.

Possible workshops

Workshop 1: Knowledge exchange with cooperation partners

Workshop leader(s)

Inge Eelzer - Reading and Writing Foundation

Explanation

Join an inspiring workshop where we help each other move forward. During this knowledge exchange, there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share good examples, and explore together how we can strengthen each other. We will discuss joint opportunities: where do our activities intersect, where is there overlap, and are there new opportunities for connection?

Workshop 2: Basic skills: Recognizing & referring

Workshop leader(s)

Irene van Roij - Bibliocenter
Nina Nijskens - Reading and Writing Foundation

Explanation

How can you recognize people who struggle with basic skills? And how do you discuss this with them? In this interactive workshop, we will discuss how to recognize signs, how to conduct conversations, what services are available in the region, and how you can refer people. In this way, we can work together to improve access to learning and support.

Workshop 3: In conversation with language ambassadors

Workshop leader(s)

Marijke Timmermans - ABC Foundation and Language Ambassadors

Explanation

The performance presents various conversations with people who struggle with basic skills. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to talk to language ambassadors who have experienced this firsthand. You can ask them questions, listen to their stories, and explore together what does work in a conversation about limited basic skills. A valuable encounter that provides insight, inspiration, and immediately applicable tools for everyday practice.

Workshop 4: Target group in depth: Older people & AI

Workshop leader(s)

Aleida Berghorst - Reading and Writing Foundation
Giel Thijssen – Menswel

Explanation

Why is AI a promising tool for reaching and motivating older adults who struggle with basic skills? In this workshop, we explore how AI can meet their needs and how smart use of AI can contribute to the independence of older adults. We also look at the size of the target group in Central Limburg. How many older adults are we actually talking about?

Workshop 5: Screening in practice

Workshop leader(s)

Nanja Jessen - Reading and Writing Foundation
Linda Maessen - Municipality of Roermond

Explanation

There are various ways to screen for limited basic skills. In this workshop, we explore which approach best suits your organization and working methods. The municipality of Roermond shows how social services apply screening in practice and what insights and results this yields. A practical workshop for anyone who wants to use screening more effectively and purposefully.