Brief description and objectives
The demands of the world of work, education and society are changing rapidly. Alongside digital developments and artificial intelligence, skills such as self-management, communication, collaboration, resilience, critical thinking and creative problem-solving are also becoming increasingly important. For people seeking to develop their careers, change direction or take the next step towards higher education, such future-oriented key skills are becoming increasingly important.
The NextStep project – Future Skills for Higher Education and Careers – develops and tests flexible learning programmes designed to support the development of these skills. The aim is to empower participants to better understand new demands, clarify their own goals and develop prospects for their future career path or potential higher education studies.
The programmes are primarily delivered online via the C3LLO learning platform. A key focus is on self-directed learning formats that can be completed flexibly and at the participant’s own pace. In addition, blended-learning programmes are planned, combining self-directed learning phases with guided formats.
NextStep supports participants in building new skills step by step, clarifying their own goals and developing prospects for their future career path or potential further study.
Target groups
NextStep is aimed at people who wish to explore new career paths and the possibility of further study. Free participation is available as part of the project for the following target groups:
- People with work experience who do not hold a school-leaving qualification entitling them to university entry
- People with work experience who hold a school-based university entrance qualification but have not undertaken a degree course
- Migrants and refugees with prior professional and/or academic experience (German language level B2)
- People who have taken extended periods of leave for family or caregiving reasons and who wish to continue their career development and are seeking guidance on further education or a possible degree course
Project partners
NextStep is a co-operation project between C3L – Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg and Ländliche Erwachsenenbildung in Niedersachsen e. V. (LEB).
Duration
1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028
Project sponsor/funding
NBank
Funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the State of Lower Saxony
contact
Dr Joachim Stöter (C3L), T +49(0)441 798-2052, E
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