As of late 2023, the Dutch labor market was one of the tightest in Europe. For every 100 unemployed individuals, there were 113 vacant jobs, according to the IMF, a stark contrast to the Euro Area average of 2.9%. This labor shortage puts immense pressure on industries and national sustainability goals, making it a critical challenge for the nation to address.
Recognizing this critical issue, the Dutch government has committed $144 million (€123 million) to initiatives focused on lifelong learning and sustainable employment. “More skilled workers are urgently needed for the transition to a sustainable and digital economy,” wrote Micky Adriaansens, the Former Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands, in a parliamentary letter. “Therefore, we must make better use of the knowledge and innovative services from vocational education, and thus further improve the connection between vocational education and the labor market.”
The new 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence at Delft University of Technology is a direct answer to this call.
Inaugurated in fall 2025, the TU Delft Center of Excellence is the Netherlands’ first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence. The Center, based at field lab SAM XL and the faculty of Aerospace Engineering, has proven expertise in using and deploying Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform for experiential and lifelong learning.
“We’re proud to become the first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence in the Netherlands,” said Henri Werij, Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. “It helps us to meet the growing demand for skilled talent to lead the digital transformation and accelerated innovation for a wide range of industries, from aviation to maritime, and the smart and flexible automation of manufacturing.”
The official opening marks a new chapter in the collaboration, bringing together TU Delft students, lecturers, and researchers with applied science institutes and industry partners at the center located in SAM XL — the campus field lab for smart advanced manufacturing. With guidance from trained instructors, students will gain hands-on experience with the same modern tools used by leading employers, enabling them to design innovative, high-tech, and increasingly complex products such as aircraft and spacecraft. The Center also supports lifelong learners seeking to upskill, while offering partners a unique environment to accelerate innovation together.
“We’re thrilled to welcome TU Delft and its SAM XL field lab into our 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence program,” Elisa Prisner, executive vice president of Industry, Marketing and Sustainability at Dassault Systèmes, said in a press release. “This partnership leverages our ambition to provide 3D UNIV+RSES that combine virtual twins, industry-driven AI, and real-world applications to prepare future engineers for the generative economy. By co-developing programs with industry partners at SAM XL, TU Delft is helping close the skills gap and accelerate digital transformation. Together, we are shaping the next generation of aerospace excellence.”
What are 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Centers of Excellence?
3DEXPERIENCE Edu Centers of Excellence are a global network of academic institutions and training hubs committed to advancing lifelong learning. With over 40 members across five continents, these centers share a common mission of equipping the next generation for the future of work. These centers equip students with digital skills and practical expertise in design, simulation and systems engineering by integrating advanced digital tools into learning frameworks. Learners leave well-versed in methodologies that are currently transforming aerospace innovation
Going beyond traditional learning environments, the Centers of Excellence contextualize student learning with practical business scenarios, particularly those faced by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). More than simply imparting theory, students apply their knowledge in simulated environments that mirror actual challenges professionals in the field encounter. This experiential approach to learning equips students to navigate the complex challenges of today and develop in-demand digital skills needed in many industries.
Graduates emerge with more than just yet another certificate; they come out ready for the workforce, equipped with the tools and experience needed to hit the ground running from day one.
How is the 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence at TU Delft addressing skill gaps in the aerospace industry?
The aging workforce issue prevailing across the workforce is particularly acute in the aerospace industry. According to McKinsey & Company, 25% of the aerospace workforce has over 20 years of experience and is nearing retirement or already eligible for it. This demographic imbalance exacerbates pressures on new talent pipelines to fill advanced technical roles.
The shift toward greener technologies compounds the issue. McKinsey emphasizes the need for new competencies to enable aerospace players to achieve “gray-to-green” transitions, such as mastering sustainable propulsion systems and lightweight materials. Yet, fewer graduates are entering the field with the necessary digital and engineering skills to address these challenges.
As a 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence, TU Delft will develop programs bridging education and practice at SAM XL. Starting in September 2025, programs will engage university departments, applied sciences institutions and industry partners, applying the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to industry-relevant use cases. Students will learn to work with virtual twins, supported by platform-certified instructors, to prepare them for evolving and future jobs, while professionals in the lifelong learning curriculum of the university can upskill. This approach ensures that graduates meet and exceed expectations, preparing them to lead the industry into a more sustainable future.
“Future aerospace engineers need to be able to design innovative, high tech objects like aircraft and spacecraft,” said Joris Melkert, education director for Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. “These objects become increasingly complex while lead times will need to reduce. This requires assistance form modern tooling but also capable engineers having been trained in the use of these tools. Incorporating this in our bachelor program thus is key.”
Virtual twins in aerospace and student projects
One way virtual twins are already being used by some TU Delft students is through Aerodelft, a student-led initiative also including students from other schools and univiersities working together to develop the world’s first crewed liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. Harnessing the model simulation capabilities of virtual twins, the team is tackling the challenge of eliminating CO2 emissions while boosting aircraft efficiency through cutting-edge assembly systems. These digital replicas let the team test, tweak and perfect their designs with precision without ever breaking a sweat (or a budget).
For Melkert, benefits of the partnership are clear. “This way we are sitting closer to new developments,” he said. “For the majority of the students getting practical experience with the tools will be enough for the start of their career. However, knowing of the existence of this center may lower the threshold to come back later for more advanced use.”
Having access to the most modern modeling tools will give new graduates a head start, then those who want to can specialize in design and manufacturing during a master’s program. “Having connections with industry and the supplier of the software gives them the opportunity to follow new developments up close,” Melkert said.
TU Delft’s commitment to experiential learning places its students in the same technological landscape as global aerospace leaders, ensuring they are industry-ready upon graduation. Similar success stories are evident in other aerospace-focused academic institutions including the following examples:
- ISAE Group, France:, ISAE-SUPAERO has effectively integrated digital transformation tools into its aerospace curriculum, emphasizing sustainable design and product lifecycle management.
- The University of Sheffield, UK: The Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) creates a digital thread across the end-to-end manufacturing process and leverages the virtual twin to evaluate transformational approaches for the aerospace and defense industry.
- Zhongfa Aviation Institute: At this institute in China, civil aviation students are immersed in a hands-on education that reflects the pace and complexity of today’s aviation industry.
These institutions reinforce the global impact of 3DEXPERIENCE Edu programs and underline the strength of TU Delft’s alignment with worldwide best practices.
Cleared for takeoff: Propelling education into the future of work
The 3DEXPERIENCE Center of Excellence at TU Delft is more than just a hub for learning… it’s a launchpad for the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and industry leaders. By combining cutting-edge technology like virtual twins with a commitment to experiential learning, TU Delft is equipping its students to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, from sustainable aviation to digital transformation.
As part of the global 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence network, TU Delft joins a community of institutions redefining education and workforce readiness. Together, they are bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring students graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact.