RIF grant awarded
Six leading technical-creative intermediate vocational schools and prominent companies from the media, gaming and entertainment industry have joined hands in a progressive collaboration. We have now been informed that the RIF (Regional Investment Fund mbo) grant has been awarded for this! This unique national public-private partnership, known as OASIS (Organised Advancement of Specialists in Immersive Solutions), aims to boost the use and development of immersive technologies and thus strengthen the future labour market.
What is Immersive?
Immersive technology, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), allows users to fully immerse themselves in digital environments. From realistic simulations in medical education to interactive learning experiences in engineering, these technologies are transforming various sectors. OASIS aims to practically explore and apply the potential of immersive solutions to improve real life and solve societal problems.
What is OASIS?
OASIS is distinguished by the leading role of vocational secondary schools, building on their strengths in application-oriented thinking and action. The cooperation between Mediacollege Amsterdam, Grafisch Lyceum Utrecht, Cibap, Nimeto, SintLucas and Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam, and companies such as Banijay Benelux, ITV, Talpa, Fremantle, NEP, EMG and Meta has a national scale. With this national joining of forces, OASIS aims to help the Netherlands build a strong international competitive position in a changing world where immersive solutions are central.
New training
We will start a new course in the school year 2025 – 2026. SintLucas is responding to new developments in the market and the growing need for knowledge and practical skills for the labour market around this theme. For the next four years, the RIF is in force and this allows us to make great strides. From research to developing educational materials and community building to closely involve the business community in the creation of the programme. Do you work at an organisation or company where immersive design and technology plays a major role? And would you like to collaborate? Then we would love to get in touch with you. Send an e-mail to director Ruud Rabelink.
Immersive Academy
Developments are rapid. Next by SintLucas is used to educate and train professionals and subject teachers. The training courses and learning offerings match the demand from the market. We make use of the OASIS partnership for this, which allows us to offer the right experienced trainers and content integrally. In autumn, our training offer around Immersive design will come online. Would you like to be the first to have the opportunity to participate?
Why is it so important?
Rapid technological advances are bringing with them a growing shortage of skilled talent. Globally, there are expected to be up to 23 million jobs requiring VR and AR by 2030. Moreover, the AR/VR software market is economically expected to grow to $50.3 billion by 2028. Efficient and effective training in VR and AR can help bridge the labour market gap. For example, VR training can train workers four times faster than traditional methods and increases the effectiveness of learning by 76%.
Alignment with government plans
The objectives of OASIS fit seamlessly with the Dutch government’s plans to promote innovation and technology, as articulated in the Dutch Digitalisation Strategy and the National Growth Fund. By investing in innovative technologies and skills, OASIS contributes to the government’s broader economic and social objectives to make the Netherlands future-proof and competitive.
