RTC East-Flanders: what we do
The Regional Technology Center East-Flanders (RTC East-Flanders) supports secondary schools in strengthening technical and vocational education. We act as a bridge between schools, the labor market and innovation.
Our mission
We help schools offer high-quality, up -to -date learning experiences that reflect realistic, technological and professional contexts.
RTC provides a neutral platform that encourages dialogue between education and employment, leading to strong, local collaborations that benefit the entire region. We do not represent any specific sector, company or school. Instead, we focus on building sustainable networks. We also aim to strengthen collaboration across schools, enabling them to share expertise and resources.
How we work
We connect partners:
- Schools
- Companies
- Sector organizations
- Knowledge institutions
- Local governments
These partnerships enable meaningful engagements that support both learning and professional development.
We strengthen learning opportunities:
- Access to modern equipment and expertise
- Training for teachers to help them to stay up to date with new technologies
- Exchanges with professionals
We support workplace learning:
In many projects, companies act as real life learning environments where pupils and teachers gain relevant labor market and technological competencies.
Target group
We focus on pupils in the 3rd grade of technical and vocational secondary education (ages 16–18), or on teachers of the 2nd and 3rd grade.
Our work spans priority fields of study including care, automotive, mechanics and electricity, wood, construction, agriculture, chemicals and biotechnology, food, organization and logistics, painting and decoration.
Innovation and regional impact
RTC East-Flanders coordinates regional projects that respond to the evolving needs of the labor market. We promote the introduction of new technologies and help schools apply them in classrooms and workshops. By supporting cooperation across schools, we help them share expertise and resources.
Funding and structure
Our organization operates within the broader Flemish framework that promotes technical skills and supports technical and vocational education. RTC is funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. We also receive support from companies, sector organizations, and local governments.
There is an RTC in every Flemish province.
We help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring that technology, craftsmanship, and care related professions continue to thrive.