These were the most popular trainings for municipalities in 2020

Every year more than 100,000 students use SkillsTown's online training courses. Especially for municipalities, we offer industry-specific trainings. But which training courses were the most popular among municipal employees in 2020? In this top 10, we list the most popular titles!

10. The Columbus Model

We kick off the top 10 with the e-learning "the Columbus Model. Indispensable skills to possess as an organization in this day and age are the 21st century skills. Municipalities in the Netherlands feel that very well! This training explains the Columbus Model and introduces students to digital intelligence. The training was created in cooperation with Stichting Digitale Overheid. In the training, initiator Hans Hoornstra explains the driving, connecting and carrying skills you need to navigate agile in the storm of digital transformation that is also a reality in government. What are the key skills you as a public servant and your organization need to not run the ship aground, but to gain momentum and maintain course? Find out in this training!

9. Administrative law for municipalities

This course consists of two parts. In the first part of the e-learning, you will learn how decisions are made within the government and what the government has to comply with. In the second part, you will learn the possible responses to these (filing an objection, lodging an appeal, et cetera). Administrative law is dynamic, so it is important to keep up to date with it. A deserved number 9 in this top 10, as far as we are concerned.

8. Environmental Vision

With the new Environment Act coming into effect in 2022, it is not surprising that this training is number 8. Drafting an environmental vision is the first step in the process surrounding the Environment Act. In this training you will learn what to look out for when drafting an environmental vision and receive practical support in the process.

7. Environmental Plan

The Environment Act also includes the environment plan. This plan must be drawn up by the municipality. It contains all possible regulations regarding the physical environment of the area of the municipality. In this training you will learn more about the content of the environmental plan and you will be given practical tips for drawing up such a plan.

6. Grant opportunities for a circular economy

At number 6 in this top 10 is the webinar Grant Opportunities for a Circular Economy. Why are more and more companies making circular economy an integral part of their business strategy? What role can grants play in making that move? How can grant focus help you do that? You will get answers to questions like these in this webinar. Using examples from daily practice, Boudewijn Zuijderhoudt will show how subsidies can help you make the step from an idea to a financially feasible project plan.

5. Integrity in governments

"You can't have a little integrity!" is a famous quote from Dales. 'Without the trust of citizens, there is no democracy.' Clearly, integrity plays an important role in government. Not surprising, then, that this e-learning is number 5. It teaches you what integrity exactly is, why reasoning about integrity sometimes seems so difficult, that it is often wrongly referred to as a gray area, and what it means when you are responsible for your own actions.

4. Political sensitivity in municipalities

There is a lot to be said about political sensitivity and many different people have their opinions on the subject. In this training you will be taken through their perceptions on this subject by different experts. The goal is for you to learn what political or managerial sensitivity means and how you can achieve it yourself. An important training for anyone working in government.

3. Digital security for municipalities

Digital security has always been important within municipalities. But since 2020, it is more important than ever, as many more activities are being digitized. AND a lot of sensitive information is being handled. It is therefore extra important that employees within a municipality are digitally proficient. This e-learning gives you insights into the importance of digital security, but also practical tools to work safely in this digital age.

2. How does a congregation work?

The No. 2 in this list is actually aimed primarily at new employees within a municipality. After all, how exactly does a municipality work? And how exactly is the organizational structure of a municipality structured? It is important that every official within a municipality has the same basic knowledge about this. This e-learning therefore ensures that everyone is on the same page.

1. Basic Environmental Law Course

In first place of this top 10 is the training course "Basic Environmental Law Course. It is good to see in the figures that this was the focus in 2020 and will continue to be so in 2021. The training ensures that everyone within the municipality has the same basic knowledge about the Environment Act. The training consists of 5 parts, plus a final test. In it you will find topics such as the Environmental Vision, the General State Rules, the Environmental Values and much more. Everything you need to know to prepare for the Environment Act!

Want to know more about online training for municipalities?

SkillsTown offers a comprehensive training offering specifically for employees within municipalities. All content is put together with experts from the field and is therefore both theoretical and practical. For more information, take a look at our website for municipalities.