Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
A statement that is 100% true. Only this time it does not come from an old hand in the business, but from the mouth of up-and-coming talent. Rick Gorter is a student of Civil Engineering at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, specializing in Hydraulic Engineering. Now in his fourth year of study, working life already beckons on the horizon.
We talk to Rick about his choice to study here. "It all started in high school, where I became increasingly interested in large infrastructure projects. Bridges, levees, tunnels, everything had my attention. I knew I wanted to study Civil Engineering. During college, I noticed that I had a particular interest in hydraulic engineering and earth retaining structures," Rick opens the conversation.
Rick prefers to work in contracting. He has thought hard about what his career should look like. "I want to start in execution. With my boots in the mud, gaining practical experience. And then not for a month or so, but just standing in the field until the practical side no longer holds any secrets for me. From there I would then like to move on to project management."
In the second year of his studies, Rick did an internship with Van Spijker Infrabouw and was directly involved in the Sint Sebastiaansbrug project in Delft. "That involved the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of the new bridge. Wonderful work, I was allowed to be assistant superintendent there. Not only was there a lot of concrete involved, but also a geogrid construction, a construction pit and road route. The great thing was that I was allowed to stay with this project after my internship, to experience the end as well. From construction of the fences around the site to removal, I was there."
Meanwhile, Rick has an impressive number of offers in his pocket from prospective employers. "I can just choose where I want to work, that's how tight the influx of youth is in the industry. When I look at the industry itself, I certainly find it dynamic, but I do see major challenges for the industry to keep the jobs. Fortunately, the government is thinking along in bringing projects forward. The industry must stay alert to keep up with new regulations coming our way in time. The future is certainly there, but builders should become even more future-proof. I see a job for myself in that as well.
